Importation Of Stud Stock

Northern Advocate, 9 July 1938, Page 7

Importation Of Stud Stock

WELLINGTON, This Day. The willingness of the Government to assist stud-breeders in the importation of stud stock was indicated by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, when opening the conference of the Royal Agricultural Society yesterday. The Minister said he recognised that breeders were suffering severe handicap in connection with the importation of stock, and he was prepared to discuss with the society any suggestion by which relief could be given. Mr Lee Martin said that 14 head of cattle were imported via Tasmania and seven via Canada during 1936 and 1937, and, assuming that the cost of transportation via those two intermediate countries was identical, importers would have been saved £IOO9 if importations had been made direct and the period of quarantine in New Zealand extended to 80 days. Direct importation anticipated a larger number of importations. Embargo To Remain. “I don’t think I should convey in any sense whatever that there is a possibility of the embargo being lifted," he added, "but I would be prepared to discuss with you some approach by means of which the heavy charges incurred in the importation of stock might be less.” The Government’s appreciation of problems facing farmers through animal diseases was emphasised by the Minister. The object of all animal work should be prevention rather than cure, and with the proposed increase in veterinary research and instructional services many of the troubles at present causing stock losses should be eliminated. Such

losses were important factors in the ' raising of farm costs. The only obstacle in the way of a more rapid increase in the Government's livestock services was the difficulty of procuring men capable of carrying out the work. The Director-General of Agriculture, Mr A. H. Cockayne, was at present in London, and he would investigate the problem of securing men. It had been extremely difficult owing to the British Government’s campaign against animal disease to secure workers.