FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21982, 17 June 1933, Page 12

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

GUARDING AGAINST OUTBREAK Precautions in new Zealand (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, June 16. Considerable discussion took place at the council meeting of the A. and P. Association as to the best policy regarding foot-and-mouth disease. A remit to the Eoyal Show was received from the Marlborough Association:—“ That no stock should be imported into New Zealand from any country where the disease had been prevalent for two years after the date of the outbreak.” . Mr J. P. Kalaugher wrote showing how serious the disease had been in countries where it had occurred, and what drastic action had had to be taken. The chairman (Mr S. Austin Carr) said he knew that the opinion of the council was divided and he would like an expression of opinion. He said that on the minutes was a request to ask the GovernorGeneral to address the council on the subject. His Excellency had been one of the founders 0.. the quarantine station for cattle at Home, and an address from him should be worth listening to. “I think that the Government realises the seriousness of the disease,” said Mr W, W. Massey, M.P. "The Agricultural Department knows how serious it would be for the country should this disease reac' here. The regulations are severe enough at present.” “ I feel very strongly about this, said Mr S. Irwin Crookes. “I have studied the quarantine arrangements in England, but if this country once was inflicted with foot-and-mouth disease we would never stamp it out. The conditions in England and the general contour of the country are such that much better control could be kept of the disease. You can imagine what would happen if the disease got into the back country of New Zealand among the wild deer and pigs. With all due respect to the Governor-General —I am not speaking personally of any GovernorGeneral —I do not think that a GovernorGeneral is the proper person to address such an organisation as this on a matter which is controversial. It would be bad form and perhaps impertinent to get up and argue with him, though we may not agree with him. I am strongly opposed to any lifting of the embdrgo.” After further discussion Mr H. King moved that the delegates should be instructed to move an amendment, if necessary, to remit that the Government recommendations should not be interfered with. The motion was passed.