FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1931, Page 7

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—ln the -“Advocate” of June 9 appeared a report of a, statement made by the Hon. A. J. Murdoch, when speaking to a deputation in Whangarci. That statement was in reference to the opposition to the importation of stock into New Zealand which the lion. gentleman said was made to him by some farmers in Invercargill. Had the Minister been at the Farmers ’ Union Conference recently held at Hamilton, when this subject was under discussion, he might have learned something about the other side of the question, and also that the opposition is not confined to Invercargill, nor is it promulgated by the ignorant, or those who have only vague ideas on the subject. All the statements made by Mr Murdoch are well known. They were well discussed at the said conference. The opposition is not conducted by those who seek personal gain by exclusion, as is generally the case for importation. The next time the Iron, gentleman is speaking on this question I would like Mm to answer the following very pertinent questions: (1) Why is it that foot-and-mouth disease springs up apparently spontaneously in several countries, notably in England? (2) Why does not the tiny island of Jersey think it necessary to import stock from England, or elsewhere, to improve its stock? (3) What would happen to the New Zealand dairy farmer if this dreaded disease appeared here? We already have quite enough disease to fight in the dairy industry in this country without getting this super disease, just for the. benefit of those who desire to exploit this country for new or even old broods of cattle. We already have as good cattle as any I country in the world—good enough to export at very large prices. The Hon, Mr Murdoch says: “What they arc after is to try to bring the Department of Agriculture to the forefront, and to make it take a place in the destinies of New Zealand.” Yet the Farmers' Union feels compelled to protest against the restriction placed upon the research branch of that department, a branch which is doing splendid work for the farmers of this country. I sincerely hope the Department will not be brought to the ioretront by assisting to bring foot-and-mouth disease to t.hic> countrv, I otc., \V. H. OHETHAM.