STOCK FROM ABROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 12

STOCK FROM ABROAD

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE OPINIONS ON THE EMBARGO OPPOSITION TO RELAXATION Opposition to interference with the Government regulations regarding foot and mouth disease was affirmed by the council of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association yesterday in an instruction to its delegates to the annual conference ot the Royal Agricultural Society in Wellington next week. On the conference agenda paper appears the following remit from Murlboroiy^li:—"That no importation of stock to New Zealand should bo allowod from any country where foot and mouth disease has been known to exist at any time during a period of two years preceding the date of such proposed importation." A letter was rend from Mr. J. P. Kalaugher, a member of the council, who was unable to attend the meeting, strongly urging on the council the vital need for supporting the Marlborough remit. The letter stated that during 1931 no fewer than 97 outbreaks of foot and mouth disease had occurred in England, and during the 12 months ended April 23, 1032. totals of 5409 sheep, 1204 pijzs, HO-'vl cattle and four gouts wore slaughtered. Outbreaks of the disease had occurred later in 1932. Mr. W. W. Massey, M.P., said the Government realised the importance of enforcing the regulations, which norc severe enough to prevent the disease entering New Zealand by stock. "I feel just as strongly as Mr. Kalaugher on this question," said Mr. S. Irwin Crookes. The arrangements at the new quarantine station at London were magnificent, but if the disease broke out on any farm the animals must be destroyed. I hat would, involve the payment of compensation, and bo did not think New Zealand could afford that. At all costs, New Zealand must stop the entry of the disease. Mr. H. S. W. King said ho had had personal experience of the disease in the Old Country, and he knew if tho disease came hero it would mean tho bankruptcy of many small dairy farmers. Mr. A. C. Trousdale: We cannot quarantine in New Zealand,* and it would mean the bankruptcy of the country if the disease was allowed to enter. r The managing secretary,' Mr. .F. O'Donnell, said the president and himself were the association's delegates to the annual conference of the Royal Agricultural Society. They held different opinions on the subject and desired a direction from the council. The Government bad said that, until the Royal Society had intimated it was prepared to allow cattle to come into New Zealand, it would not lift the embargo. The Marlborough remit was really only an affirmation of present conditions. Mr. King moved that the Auckland delegates should move an amendment, if necessary, that the Government regulations should not be interfered with. This Mas carried without dissent.