STOCK IMPORTATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 194, 17 July 1937, Page 2

STOCK IMPORTATION.

FARMERS’ DISCUSSION. WELLINGTON, July 16. The proposed new regulations, governing the importation of live stock from foot and mouth disease-infested countries were discussed by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union at its annual conference at Wellington to-day.

A remit was submitted to the effect that the conference support the change, but, after discussion, it was decided to refer the regulations to the provincial executives and obtain their opinions.

An amendment, that the union support the maintenance of the present regulations, was defeated by 24 votes to 22.

Air L. Hammond (Alartoii) outlined the advantages of the new regulations. Air A. Briscoe Aloore (Auckland) said that he understood the purpose of the new regulations was to facilitate the importation of stock from Britain.

Air Hammond : With increased safeguards ! Air Aloore said that New Zealand was doing well with its own strains, and, as a breeder of Hereford cattle and Romney sheep, he did not want to see new strains introduced. The president, Air W. W. Alulholland, said that it was not a question of lifting the embargo, but of substituting one set of restrictions lor another. Air H. B. Stuckey (South Hawke’s Bay) supported the remit, stating that he was in favour of lifting the cnir bargo completely. Air F. C. Jurgens (Bulls) said he was amazed at the opposition to the new regulations, which were designed merely to tighten up the present haphazard method of importing stock. Air Hammond said that veterinarians, who had always been opposed to the lifting of the embargo, were strongly in favour of the new regulations. The present system was full of loopholes for the introduction of disease.

The conference also decided that all straw and vegetable fibre packing he prohibited from entering New Zealand from countries where foot and mouth disease is prevalent.