FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 268, 7 September 1933, Page 4

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.

A CORRESPONDENT writes in this issue on a subject of a controversial nature of the utmost importance to this country—foot-and-mouth disease. On the one hand there is the opinion of one of the most distinguished personages in New Zealand that the importation of fresh stock into this country is of the utmost importance, and other opinions that the danger from this source is a great one. Some are inclined to bring the island of Jersey into the question, but it would seem that this is irrelevant. Conditions are so different in the two countries. In Jersey they have concentrated on a distinct breed of cattle which may be said to be purely their own, so that to introduce any cattle would be like sending coal to Newcastle. New Zealand has imported various breeds to suit various conditions, and it would appear to be necessary to introduce fresh blood from time to time.

There is no doubt that the advocate of the lifting of the embargo referred to is honest in his welfare for the New Zealand farmer, and knows his subject. On the other hand various farmers’ organisations have passed resolutions against any lifting of the embargo. It is because there are two schools of thought which are equally convinced that each is right that the New Zealand Department of Agriculture should make the fullest investigation before any definite action is taken. The question is of such vital importance to this country that no resolutions of open meetings should be allowed to influence definite findings.