Live Stock Importations

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 124, 27 May 1937, Page 8

Live Stock Importations

Farmers Favour New Regulations AS BETTER CHECK ON FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE The new regulations sponsored by Mr. Lloyd Hammond (Hunterville) president of the Wellington Central executive of the Farmers’ Union, in connection with the importation of live-stock into New Zealand, met with endorsement at the inter-provincial conference of the Farmers* Union, at Dannevirke yesterday. There was considerable discussion on the matter following remits from the Westmere and Waverley branches urging support of the new regulations. “I have been twitted as being one of the biggest drawbacks New Zealand has ever produced,’’ stated Mr. T. W. Howie (Fordell) in that I have always advocated a strict embargo but I have been weaped a bit and now will agree to the stock coming in but under very strict conditions. I would sooner see stock coming in by the front door than the back.” Mr. L. Hammond (Hunterville) said the new regulations put the importation of stock on a better footing from a disease point of view and make it cheaper also. The regulations provided for stock to be brought out in collective consignments with veterinary experts in charge. No stock would be allowed out of an area where foot and mouth disease had been epidemic for less than 12 months before. At present tho period was only three months after the last appearance of the disease. The stock would not be allowed to land in Australia as was done at present. The new regulations gave 100 per cent, more protection against contact from carrier cases. Mr. J. Watson (Masterton) pointed out that the remit did not propose the lifting of the embargo but the tightening up of tho regulations governing importation. Mr. Andrews (Masterton) said he must oppose the importation of stock direct from an affected country. He preferred to see tho back door method where another country took the risk. Mr. Hammond: But my proposal is to cut out the rafferty rules that exist at present. Mr. Avery (Te Horo) said the proposals were excellent but in effect they meant the lifting of the embargo. What the merits of lifting the embargo were he was not prepared to discuss but he could see that the lifting was coming before long and therefore he should like the industry to say right now under what conditions it was prepared to see the embargo lifted. Mr. Webb (Levin): The embargo is already lifted. The stock is coming in. Mr. Tait (Carterton): Then let us tighten up. New Zealand’s destiny is the breeding country for the world in respect of stock. Mr. J. T. Kent (Waikanae): We have enough pests in the country now and should take steps to prevent any more. Mr. McLean (Raetihi); If there has been rafferty rules in the past, why hasn't the disease appeared in Now Zealand! Mr. James (Masterton) said he was entirely in sympathy with Mr. Hammond’s scheme. New Zealand was badly in need of new blood. Mr. Lynch (Paiaparaunvu) pointed out the danger of contact with infected animals during the Australian quarantine. The only alternative to Mr. Hammond’s scheme was complete embargo, .... Mr. Hammond said the Government was looking to the industry for a lead in the matter. The remit was carried by a large majority. Health of Stock. “That this conference, viewing with alarm tho huge and ever increasing animal loss of s/tock in New Zealand through disease and the inadequate veterinary staff to deal with the trouble, urges tho Government to make immediate provision for trainng young men to qualify as veterinary surgeons” was moved by the Feilding branch.

Mr. A. E. Brewster said it was felt the stSick loss throughout the Dominion was enormous.

Mr. G, McGregor (Wanganui) thought the remit should add a tribute to the department for what help it had given in the past. Veterinarians and stock inspectors had wide districts and little time to attend to much else than the freezing works. Mr. L. S. Knight (Feilding) pointed out that when New Zealand did produce efficient men they went to other countries which offered better opportunities and remuneration. The remit was carried.

It was the opinion of tho Levin branch that the regulations regarding the exposure for sale of sheep affected with lice be tightened up, and that stock inspectors be asked to pay stricter attention to the matter. There was considerable opposition voiced, delegates pointing out that the inspector already was an efficient The remit was referred back to me Levin branch. Miscellaneous Stock Matters. “That all Government stock returns each year be made out at the same date,” was a remit moved by the Dauuovirke branch and carried. A uniform commission charge for the sale of stock throughout tho Dominion, was also urged in a remit front the Dannevirke branch and approved. “That buyers of sheep at live stock sales should have the right to reject any sheep found to be suffering from arthritis” was moved by the Taihape branch, but was not approved. Tho idea was to protect the small dairy farmer who knew little about sheep and had to take a dealer’s word.