THE STOCK ACT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4773, 13 October 1893, Page 1

THE STOCK ACT.

«^_ PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. [feom our special cobrebpondent.J WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. The regulations under the new Stock Act are in the hands of the printer, and the Statute will come into force on Jan. 1 next. As far as possible, the regulations will conferm to the conclusions aimed at by the Stock Conference last year, with the view of arriving at intercolonial uniformity. The Department is somewhat exercised, and quite reasonably, on the question of imported cattle, fearing the dreaded pleuro- pneumonia, and Mr Ritchie, for his Minister.-is wisely fortifying himself on the subject with the opinions' of representative breeders and owners. I deem his circular of sufficient importance to give it in full. Familiar as I have been with the destructive effect of this Bcourge in Australia, I feel that the widest possible publication should be given to Mr Ritchie's circular. Here it is : — " Department of Agriculture, Live Stock branch (Oct. 11,1893). Sir,— The Stock Act just passed will come into operation on Jan. lnext, and it is intended to issue new regulations under it to control the importation of stock. The conference of Stock Inspectors and otherß recently held here passed a resolution that the regulations of the different Colonies should be uniform, or as near so as their respective Act 3 will allow. The question has been raised whether, owing to the presence of pleuro-pneumonia on the Australian Continent, wo ought not to prohibit the importation of cattle from all Colonies except Tasmania, which is free from the disease. Before deciding, lam directed to ask that you will favour Mr M'Kenzie with your opinion on the matter. I need hardly point out that it is of the utmost importance to the Colony that the greatest care should be taken to guard against the rißkof introducing diseased stock. — I have, &c, Jno. D. Ritchie, Secretary, Wellington." •