DECISION REAFFIRMED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 72, 24 February 1937, Page 8

DECISION REAFFIRMED.

BY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. LIFTING OF STOCK EMBARGO. Suggesting that the association’s former decision in favour of the lifting of the embargo against the importation of live-stock from Great Britain should be reaffirmed, Mr F. J. Ellis, of Bulls, in a letter placed before the general committee of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, yesterday afternoon, drew attention to the proposals being circulated through the Farmers’ Union by Mr J. R. Lloyd Hammond, of Rata, for an alteration in the present methods of quarantine to facilitate importations. Commenting that the matter had previously been discussed by the association, which had given its decision, the president (Mr. Jos. Batchelar) suggested that the letter be received. A voice: What was our decision before ? Mr J. Linklater: That the embargo be lifted. Mr D. Buchanan: But a special general meeting of members reversed that. Mr W. G. Shannon said that the embargo should- be lifted. The present “back-door” method of importation was a farce.

Mr S. R. Thompson said that he had no axe to grind in the matter, though he was connected with a company vitally interested in stud stock in New Zealand. It was quite evident, he said, that there was a definite movement in the direction of lifting the embargo. Through Unrestricted importation of English sires and thoroughbred mares, New Zealand had built up a bloodstock business and produced horses second to none, resulting in a substantial increase in the national income. Praise was due to the stud breeders for the manner in which they had upheld the standard of the stock, but many of the ewes at the last Feilding fair should have gone to the freezing works. If the embargo on importations. were lifted, New Zealand stock breeders would be able to explore other markets. They had already built up an extensive trade with Australia and the Argentine, and the judge at the Palermo Show had commented that the New’ Zealand Ilomnej’s were of a better standard than he had see-n there.

Mr L. B. Wall said he could endorse these statements.

Air A. C. Morton said the embargo was a farce as at present operated, and New Zealand required the very best stock. The scheme being advanced through the Farmers’ Union for controlled importations had certain admirable features, but others which were definitely not so. He considered the general committee represented the opinion of members of the association, and said it should be pointed out that the special meeting called had not been unanimous in its decision.

Mr D. Buchanan said the present round-about method of niuoor l "ton was ridiculous. He had brought to New Zealand a ln.ll nine-

alongside another in Canada which only arrived three weeks earlier from England. The opinion that it was unnecessary to traverse the old arguments was expressed by Mr Linklater, who moved a resolution that the meeting reaffirm its opinion that the time had arrived when the embargo should be lifted.

Air R. O. Dalrymple seconded this. Mr Jas. Knight (Feilding) said they should not press for the lifting of the embargo, but for direct importations under the safeguards of the quarantine system.

The resolution was carried, Messrs M- A. Conway and W. McGillivray dissenting. “We will get foot and mouth disease in this country,” said Mr Conway. “When it comes, you can look up the minutes and see how I voted.”