FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1933, Page 5

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In connection with your recent sub-leader in reference to remarks made by me, at the last meeting of the South Taranaki executive of the Farmers’ Union, ■in connection with the recent statement of Lord Bledisloe, I desire to state that upon , looking up the issue of your paper I found 1 certainly did not do your paper justice in stating that your- views were weakening in connection with the introduction of stocks. I regret the error made. I am very pleased to see that your recent article is so definitely opposed to any letting up of the present regulations. Lord Bledisloe’s recent statement again draws one’s attention to the serious position that might - arise if sufficient opposition is not put up. Quite a lot of people fear to refer to the statements as emanating from a person of such distinction Personally I take the view that if anyone adopts the attitude of the Governor-General, and is prepared to expose the> whole of this wonderful country’s stock to the dangers of the dreaded foot and mouth disease, he must be prepared to meet expressions of opinion from those who. are in opposition. I understand that the reason put forth' for the lifting of the embargo is that new blood is wanted in this country. How is it that in Jersey Island, so at least I understand, no new blood has been imported for the past 200 years. If that is so, all the talk about new blood is mere moonshine. The most disheartening phase of the whole situation is the attitude of only a few breeders who already have made their position secure, and are now prepared to expose the large majority of farmers to a state of indescribable chaos. The old proverb “Safety First” must surely be the keynote of protection, as this country cannot take the slightest risk of allowing the dreaded disease to enter. I sincerely 1 trust the Government will in nd way relax the regulations.—l am, etc., H. Thrush, President, Tokaora Farmers’ Union.