EMBARGO ON STOCK

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19890, 18 March 1939, Page 17

EMBARGO ON STOCK

RETENTION FAVOURED FARMERS’ UNION VIEWS POVERTY BAY RESOLUTION FEAR OF DISEASE A motion favouring the retention of the embargo on the importation of live stock from countires with foot-and-mouth disease infection was passed unanimously tit yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Poverty Bay provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union. The fear of the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease into the Dominion appeared to be the only reason for those present supporting the present restrictions, while it was also stated that live stock was at present coming into the country from the United Kingdom, from which only the best of stock was being secured, and it was feared that if the restrictions were removed stock of inferior quality might be encouraged. Before the meeting was a copy of a letter from the National Farmers' union and Chamber of Commerce of i Scotland, the letter stating that Mr. James Picken, who represented Scottish interests at the Empire producers’ conference in Sydney, discussed with the New Zealand Minister of Agriculture, the question of facilitating the, importation of live stock from the United Kingdom into New Zealand, but tound that the New Zealand Government did not intend to take any action in the matter in the meantime, because a very large number of farmers’ organisations in New Zealand were strenuously opposed to any relaxation. Surprised at Opposition “The council was somewhat prised to learn of the opposition,” the letter continued. “It is understood that the bar is maintained principally on the score of the importation into New Zealand of foot-and-mouth disease through live animals, but the council contends that the British policy of slaughtering in the case of an outbreak would obviate any such risk. “It would appear to bo in tire interests of all concerned that the trade in pedigree stock between the two countries should be fostered subject, of course, to adequate quaratine regulations. The longest period of incubation of foot-and-mouth disease is considered to be 11 days, and if animals were retained in quarantine for 14 days or even 21 days prior to shipment there could be no danger of infection. “The matter is considered to be of the utmost importance to producers in both countries, and my council ventures to hope that your union will reconsider the position at this stage, and, after taking all the factors into consideration, will be influenced to change its attitude towards the question.” “Four-Square” Against Removal The president, Mr. J. E. Benson. The position up to date is that the Farmers’ Union has stood four-square against the removal of the embargo, it is for you to say if we should reverse our decision, but I must point out that there has been a further outbreak in South Africa and from recent figures it does not seem that there is any abatement in the foot-and-mouth disease. Mr. M. T. B. Hall: And yet the stock is still coming in. The president: Yes, some of the best stock is coming into the country. In fact, only the best is coming to New Zealand, and perhaps the embargo is a good way of making sure that we ge. only the best of pedigree stock from the. United Kingdom. We have in tiiis district tile finest lleiofoid cattle in New Zealand, and we should be able to keep up ttie standard on our own. Mr. Hall: And yet Mr. Hutchinson is going Home to buy another bull. Rack-Door Methods Members pointed to outbreaks whiei had occurred in other countries aru. the slaughter of cattle to wipe it out. “We don’t want that slaughter here,” Mr. H. B. Bull remarked. j Mr. R. F. Holden asked whether the present “back door” method of importing stock from England was safer than by the'direct means which would rule by the removal of the embaigo. Some people felt that it would be , safer. j On the motion of Mr. D. J. Cum- ‘ ming, seconded by Mr. F. S. Bowen, ‘ t was unanimously decided to oppose ‘ the lifting of the embargo but at the . same lime New Zealand farmers did ‘ not wish, in maintaining that attitude, to antagonise British farmers. i