IMPORTATION OF STOCK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21883, 20 August 1934, Page 10

IMPORTATION OF STOCK

RESTRICTIONS fejJPPORTED SHEEPOWNERS' VIEWS The executive of the Canterbury Shoopowners' Union in a report presented to tho annual meeting of the union last week, associated itself with other fanning organisations that had consistently objected to any relaxation of the present regulations < which aim to prevent the introduction of foot and mouth disease to No.v Zealand.

It was pointed out that tho existing regulations did not prohibit tho importation of stock, but provided for a detention period for observation purposes at an Australian quarantine depot. Tho observation period had been reduced, but the executive felt that, as the present regulations were drawn up on the recommendation of the Government's expert advisers, it would bo unwise for laymen to assume tho responsibility of asking the Government to modify thorn in any way, especially in view of the wide divergence of opinion on this disease expressed by experts and scientists in various countries. The report furthci emphasised tho grave consequences should the disease becomo established in the Dominion, and alHrmed the that any alteration of tho present regulations shoidd bo the responsibility of the Government through its departmental officers. This responsibility, it was urged, should, under no circumstances, bo accepted by New Zealand stockowners, a majority of whom fully appreciate the disastrous position which would arise should the Dominion's stock be affected.