LIVESTOCK IMPORTATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20863, 4 May 1931, Page 12

LIVESTOCK IMPORTATION.

Sir,—lt is pleasing to see in tho Herald, letters protesting against the importation of livestocl. from the Homeland, where the dreaded foot-and-mouth disease has been so destructive. One would think that those who have seen tho disastrous effects from the importation of destructive birds, plants and animals would be exceedingly careful about taking any further risks that might add to the burdens that are now besetting our indomitable farmers. The question of deterioration in our livestock is not so serious as some people would like their countrymen to believe. One of your correspondents mentioned the fact that no importations of cattle are allowed into Jersey, and deterioration there has not been noted. In this connection it may be instructive to mention that, in-the McKenzie country, near Mount Cook, wild cattle of the long-horned blood red Devon breed lived through the extremely severe winters during 15 years without showing signs of any physical deterioration. The bulls were especially enormous animals. After the severest winters 1 have seen ten or twelve skeletons where the snow had been 4ft. or 6ft. deep, and frozen hard after trampling by the poor beasts. There were about 80 head on the l'ork River and branches; also about 90 head in the Macaulay River gorges in some years, more or less. In the autumn those fine cattle would be fat : their skins shining like satin. In the spring their hair was shaggy—almost 'covering their eves. 'There was also a large herd of wild, nondescript cattle in the back country of the -Mat aura River, Southland. All were quite healthy in appearance, although existing in frigid' Winter conditions. Of course, if animals arc constitutionally weak or deformed, those' defects will be transmitted to their progeny. And, as prevention is certainly very much belter than cure, that is a matter that should have the closest possible supervision by the livestock department. Hoping that the common sense and caution of our primary producers will prevail in keeping out any further disastrous importations. William R. Keay.