Need for New Blood

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 39, 16 February 1938, Page 9

Need for New Blood

ENGLISH BREEDER’S VIEW. The New Zealand restrictions on the importation of British pedigree beef cattle are both unwarranted and unwise, according to Mr Percy E. Bradstock, a well-known Herefordshire cattle breeder, who arrived at Auckland by the Rangitiki on Saturday. He is proceeding to Australia, accompanied by Mrs Bradstock, to judge the Hereford section at the Royal Centenary Show.

Discussing the reports that have reached the Dominion of sporadic outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom, Mr Bradstock said the poistion was not nearly as serious as the information received in New Zealand might indicate. In his own ease, his stock had not been affected in the slightest degree. Britain did not suffer in the same manner as the Continent but, on account of the proximity oi such infected countries as France, there was always the liability of foot and mouth disease being introduced into Britain at odd intervals. Attitude Criticised.

“I could never understand why New Zealand should have erected an embargo against British stock, n ’ he said.

“Even when I visited the Dominion about four years ago I regarded this attitude as incompierensible, particularly as there has been no country in the world which has contracted foot and mouth disease from England. There were restrictions in Australia for some years until the mistake was realised and, subsequently, the Commonwealth has been one of Britain’s best cattle customers.”

New Zealand was one of the finest agricultural countries in tho world, he said, but it was following a shortsighted policy in not catering for its best customer and in not endeavouring to improve its beef stock. He did not wish to say anything derogatory of Now Zealand cattle, but it did appear that new blood was sadly wanting. No Risk of Infection.

There were ways and means of importing cattle to New Zealand from England, in spite of tho restrictions, the stock being shipped to Australia and then consigned to New Zealand three months later as Australian animals. Not only was this a farce, but it proved exceedingly expensive and he knew several breeders who would like to introduce fresh blood from England, but who could not afford to do so under the present conditions. The Dominion strove to compete with other sellers on the Smithfield market, but it did not appear anxious to endeavour to produce the meat that was required. “It seems highly improbable that stock shipped to New Zealand would carry infection,” Mr Bradstock added. “We have our quarantine station in England in which tho animals would spend a fortnight and, going from there straight to the ship, they would be approximately six weeks on the water. By the time they arrived at their destination, any signs of disease would be apparent, but, as an additional safeguard, there is a further month spent in quarantine in tho Dominion before they are liberated to their buyers. ”