THE IMPORTATION OF BONE MANURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2663, 29 March 1905, Page 10

THE IMPORTATION OF BONE MANURE.

NEW REGULATIONS ADOPTED.

We are indebted to Sir J. G. Ward for a copy of the new regulations under " The Stock Act, 1893," restricting the importation of animal manure into New Zealand: —

"Animal manure" means manure composed of or containing any portion of the carcase of any stock as defined in " The Stock Act, 1893," and includes the bones, blood, and any other parts of such carcase in every cage where the bones, blood, or other parts are suitable or intended for the purposes of manure, but does not include bone-char. " Inspector " means an inspector of manure-sterilising appointed for the purposes of these regulations. Th© introduotion into the oolony of New Zealand from any country or place other than India and the Commonwealth of Australia of any 1 animal manure is absolutely prohibited. The introduction of animal manure either from India or from the Commonwealth of Australia is hereby restricted by prohibiting the same unless the following conditions are faithfully complied with :

1. The owner or person in charge of the works at whicli animal manure in any form is manufactured or prepared for export to New Zealand shall, not less than 21 dayg before commencing operations, apply to the inspector acting for New Zealand in the country in which the works are situated for a license to manufacture or prepare at the said works such manure for export to New Zealand.

2. On receipt of the application the inspector may visit the works, and may grant suedi license in the form numbered 2 in theschedule hereto upon being satisfied — (a) That a separate building and plant suitable for the purpose are set apart solely for tha grinding, conveying 1 , scree.ning, storage, &tc, of animal manure after sterilisation ; (b) that the buildings) appliances, and surrounding's generally are satisfactory.

3. The license shall remain in force until cancelled by the inspector, and he may cancel the same at any time if satisfied that the requirements or thesq regulations are not properly complied with, or that the owne.r or person in charge of the works has in any way failed to faithfully comply with these regulations in any respect. 4-. Before commencing or resuming the manufacture or preparation of animal manure, for export to New Zealand seven,

clear clays' notice must bo given to tlte inspector by the licensee. 5. No consignment of animal manure shall be landed in New Zealand unless the said consignment is accompanied by a declaration in the form numbered 3 in the schedule, to the following effect: — (a) That any bones contained in the consignment have been either (i) subjected to a temperature of at least 281deg Fahr. (equal to an indicated steam pressure of 501b per square inch) for not less than four hours, or (ii) crushed so that no part thereof exceeds 2Ln in length, and afterwards subjected to a temperature of at least 267deg- Fahr. (equal to an indicated steam pressure of 4-Olb per square inch) for not less than two hoxirs. (b) That all animal ingredients, other than bones, contained in the said consignment have been subjected to a temperature of at least 267d0g Fahr. (equal to an indicated steam presstire of 401b per square inch) for not less than two hours. (c) That the licensed building and machinery used in tho manufacture and treatment of the said consignment have not, since the issue of the license, be&n used in the manufacture or treatment of any animal manure that has not been sterilised as aforesaid. (d) That the consignment has not ba&n in contact after sterilisation with any animal manure that has not been sterilised as aforesaid, (c) That during its manufacture or treatment the said consignment and the works were at all times open to inspection by the inspector or any officer authorised in that behalf by the inspector. (f) That the bags in which the said consignment is contained have never previously been used fdr any purpose whatsoever, (g) That each bag is branded with the name of the works where it was filled, and also with a. full description of its oontents. (h) That all carts, trucks, barges, or other conveyances will be properly cleansed to the satisfaction of the inspector before the said consignment is loaded therein, (i) That no animal manure that has not been sterilised as aforesaid will be conveyed to the port of shipment or to the ship on the same cart, truck, barge, or other conveyance with the said consignment.

The regulations provide for the inspector countersigning the declaration referred to, a fee of 2s od being charged in Australia and 2 rupees in India. Any animal manura imported contrary to the regulations is liable to seizure. Any person committing in New Zealand a breach of these regulations shall, on conviction, be liable to a penalty of not less than £5 nor more than £500.