FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 127, 31 May 1937, Page 10

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

REMIT AT FARMERS CONFERENCE AMENDED REGULATIONS APPROVED The new regulations sponsored by Mr. Lloyd Hammond (Hunterville) president of the Wellington Central Executive of the Farmers’ Union, in connection with the importation of live-stock into New Zealand, met with endorsement at the inter-provincial conference of the Farmers' Union at Dannevirke on Wednesday. There was considerable discussion on the matter following remits from the Westmere and Waverley branches urging support of the new regulations “I have been twitted as being one of the biggest drawbacks New Zealand has ever produced,” stated Mr. T. W. Howie (Fordell) in that I have always advocated a strict embargo, but 1 have been weaned a bit and now will agree to the stock coming in, but under very strick conditions. I would sooner see stock coming in by the front door than the back.” Mr. L. Hammond (Huntervill) said the new regulations put the importation of stock on a belter tooting from a disease point of view and make it cheaper also. The regulations provided for stock to be brought out in collective consignments with veterinary experts in charge. No stock would be allowed out of an area where foot and mouth disease had been epidemic for less than 12 months before. At present the period was only three monthi after the last appearance of the disease. The stock would not be allowed to land in Australia as was don< at present. The new regulations gav« 100 per cent, more protection against contact from carrier cases. Mr. J. Watson (Masterton) pointed out that the remit did not promise the lifting of the embargo but the tightening up of the regulations governing importation. Mr. Andrews (Masterton) said he must oppose the importation of stock direct from an affected country. He preferred to see the back door method where another country took the risk. Mr. Hammond: But my proposal is to cut out the rafferty rules that exist at present. Mr. Avery (Te Horo) said the proposals were excellent but in effect they meant the lifting of the embargo. What the merits of lifting the embargo were he was not prepared to discuss, but he could see that the lifting was coming before long and therefore he should like the industry to say right now under what conditions it was prepared to see the embargo lifted. Mr. Webb (Levin): The embargo k already lifted. The stock is coming in. Mr. Tait (Canterbury): Then let us tighten up. New Zealand's destiny k the breeding country for the world in respect of stock. Mr. J. T. Kent (Waikanae): W» have enough pests in the country now and should take steps to prevent any more. Mr. McLean (Raetihi): If there have been raffity rules in the past, why hasn't the disease appeared in New Zealand? Mr. J.ames (Masterton) said he was entirely in sympathy with Mr. Hammond's scheme. New Zealand was badly in need of new blood. Mr. Lynch (Paraparumu) pointed out the danger of contact with infected animals during the Australian quarantine. The only alternative to Mr. Hammond's scheme wrs complete embargo. Mr. Hammond said the Government was looking to the industry for a lead in the matter. The remit was carried by a large majority.