AUSTRALASIAN STOCK CONFERENCE (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1887 Session I, H-02

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1887. NEW ZEALAND.

AUSTRALASIAN STOCK CONFERENCE (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Mr. G. S. Coopee to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaby. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, Bth November, 1886. I have the honour to enclose a report of the Australasian Stock Conference lately held at Sydney on the invitation of the Government of New South Wales, as conveyed in a letter from the Colonial Secretary of that colony dated the 30th July, 1886. The colonies were variously represented — New Zealand had i delegates; New South Wales, 3 ; Tasmania, 3 ; Queensland, 2 ; South Australia, 2 ; and Victoria only 1 ; while Western Australia was unrepresented. Tlip first question to be decided was that of how votes were to be counted. I proposed that each colony should have one vote, but was outvoted, and it was decided that each should have three. This proved to be a mistake, as it gave an undue preponderance to Victoria, which colony was represented by the Chief Inspector of Stock, who was not accompanied by any representative of the breeding interest, and gave a block vote upon every subject on which opinions differed. The most important question for discussion was that of the importation of stock from places outside the Australasian Colonies, which, for convenience' sake, we termed "foreign stock." Upon the question of removing the prohibition the Conference was divided ; but the proposal for removal was carried by 10 votes against 8 ; the votes pro being—Queensland, 3; Tasmania, 3; New Zealand, 3; and New South Wales, 1 : while those contra were—Victoria, 3; South Australia, 3; New South Wales, 2. It was accordingly resolved that, in the opinion of the Conference, the prohibition against importation of cattle and sheep from the United Kingdom may, under proper restrictions, be removed, and that the Governments of the several colonies be recommended to give effect to the resolution. It was determined to recommend that goats, deer, and swine should still be prohibited. A precis of regulations under which cattle and sheep should be admitted was settled by the Conference as a recommendation to the various Governments, and will be found in the 35th resolution. For dogs a six months' quarantine is advised. A resolution was passed as to camels which does not interest the people of this colony. With regard to the interchange of stock between the Colonies of Australasia, the recommendations of the Conference which especially affect this colony are that no sheep shall be introduced into any colony from any other colony in which scab exists, and that no colony shall be deemed clean until scab has ceased to exist therein for a period of twelve months. On the question of diseases affecting stock a series of resolutions was passed. Much valuable information was elicited, and papers were read on the subject, which will be found in the full report of the proceedings which we may hope now to receive at an early date from the Government Printer in Sydney. The rabbit question was very fully debated, and much valuable information was interchanged, and will be found in the full report above referred to. In Australia fencing is the most effectual mode of arresting the spread of rabbits, and it is now in contemplation to fence the boundary-line between the Colonies of New South Wales and Queensland : there they have no mountain-torrents, no snow, and but little broken country, which gives them in the matter of fencing an immense advantage over New Zealand. The natural enemies, however, which are found in Great Britain will not succeed in that country. It followed that no resolution could be arrived at applicable to all the colonies interested in this question except the one numbered 39 of the enclosed series, which recommends that a large reward be offered by the colonies collectively for the discovery of some means of destruction more searching and fatal in its effects than anything at present known. Upon this point the Conference was unanimous, and strong and confident hopes were expressed that the Governments of the several colonies would, act vigorously in the matter. Upon the above subjects, and others of minor importance, the Conference passed in all fortynine resolutions, many of which do not affect New Zealand. The subjects treated upon in these resolutions are all of much interest to breeders and owners of stock, and hopes were expressed that such steps as may be necessary to give effect to the recommendations of the Conference, whether by means of legislation, Orders in Council, or otherwise as may be required, will be taken at an early date by the Governments of the various colonies of the Australasian group. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. G. S. Coopee.

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EEPOET OP AU STEAL ASIAN STOCK CONFEEENCE. Confebence of Chief Inspectoes of Stock, Veteeinaey Suegeons, and Stock Bebedees of the Australasian Colonies, held in Sydney in September and October, 1886. The Conference commenced its sittings on the 27th of September, and concluded its labours on the Bth of October. It was called together by the Hon. the Minister for Mines, with the view of assimilating the regulations in force in the colonies for the prevention of diseases in stock. The following representatives were present:—New South Wales : Messrs. A. Bruce, Chief Inspector of Stock; E. G. Higgins, stock-breeder; E. Stanley, F.8,;C.V.5., Government Veterinarian. Victoria: Mr. E. M. Curr, Chief Inspector of Stock. Queensland: Mr. P. E. Gordon, Chief Inspector of Stock; Hon. H. C. Wood, M.L.C., stock-breeder. Tasmania: Mr. T. A. Tabart, Chief Inspector of Stock; Mr. A. Park, M.E.C.V.S., Government Veterinarian; Mr. J. Meredith, stock-breeder. New Zealand: Hon. W. S. Peter, M.L.C., Mr. J. D. Lance, M.H.E., Mr. J. Mcßenzie, M.H.E., stock-breeders; Mr. G. S. Cooper, Under-Secretary, Wellington. South Australia : Mr. C. J. Valentine, Chief Inspector of Sheep ; Mr. J. Bagot, M.P., stockbreeder. The following is a copy of the circular letter, dated the 30th July, by which the Conference was called together : — " Sm, — " Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 30th July, 1886. " Eeferring to my letter of the Bth February last, in which attention was invited to the desirability of assimilating the regulations in force in all the colonies relating to sea-borne sheep, I have now the honour, at the instance of my colleague the Secretary for Mines, to enclose, for the consideration of your Government, a copy of a minute by the Chief Inspector of Stock for this colony, with reference to the holding of a Conference in Sydney for the purpose above-mentioned, and to suggest that each colony be represented at such Conference by its Chief Inspector of Stock and two gentlemen connected with stock-breeding." The Conference was opened by the Minister of Mines, who pointed out the vast interests with which.the Conference were about to deal. He said that the value of horses, cattle, and sheep in the colonies was estimated at £78,994,871, and the income therefrom £33,669,973. Taking the capital value of land, with improvements and plant, and the capital value of stock, the total was £359,0C2,000. The Minister, having declared the meeting opened, withdrew, and Mr. A. Bruce was appointed Chairman. Eesolutions on the following subjects were agreed to : (1.) Treatment of the different diseases in animals. (2.) Eegulations relating to the introduction of Australian animals—(l) by sea, (2) by land. (3.) Regulations with respect to the introduction of foreign animals— i.e., animals from places outside the Australasian Colonies. (4.) The collection and publication of information with respect to diseases in animals. (5.) Eegulations in regard to the travelling, movement, or conveyance of animals. (6.) The destruction of noxious animals. (7.) The destruction of weeds and noxious plants. (8.) The branding and marking of animals. (9.) Any other subject which may be suggested and agreed to by the members of the Conference connected with the object for which it is convened. The resolutions passed by the Conference will be found appended to this report. Its proceedings will shortly be printed, together with a report, taken by a shorthand writer, of all that took place on each sitting-day; and copies of the proceedings and report will be forwarded to the representatives of the several colonies, with the view to their being submitted to their respective Governments. Alex. Beuce, Chairman.

Eesolutions passed by the Confebence. 1. Preliminary. 1. That each colony have three votes. 2. That the following be the order of business : (1.) The consideration of regulations with respect to diseases. (2.) Eegulations relating to the introduction of Australian animals—(l) by sea, (2) by land. (3.) Eegulations with respect to the introduction of foreign animals. (4.) The collection and publication of information with respect to diseases in animals. (5.) Eegulations in regard to the travelling, movement, or conveyance of animals. (6.) The destruction of noxious animals. (7.) The destruction of weeds and noxious plants. (8.) The branding and marking of animals. (9.) Any other subject which may be suggested and agreed to by the members of the Confei*ence connected with the object for which it is convened. 3. That the term " Australasian Colonies " comprise the colonies on the continent of Australia, also Tasmania and New Zealand ; and that the term " foreign " shall be held to include all other parts of the world. 2. Diseases in Animals. 4. That legislative power be taken to compel the destruction of all animals which have died of or are suffering from anthrax, and that all other animals which have been in contact with the diseased animals be, where practicable, placed in proper quarantine until certified free from disease. 5. That the travelling, selling, or offering for sale or slaughtering for food of any animals affected with the disease known as tuberculosis, or the using of cows affected with tuberculosis for dairy purposes, be punishable by law.

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6. That power be taken to destroy animals actually diseased with pleuro-pneumonia; that penalties be enforced for leaving diseased animals or dead bodies undestroyed ; and that stockowners be compelled to give notice in writing of every outbreak of the disease to the Chief Inspector of Stock, and to the nearest Inspector of Stock. 7. That the Conference desires to express its belief in the efficacy of inoculation as a preventive of pleuro-pneumonia. 8. That inoculation for pleuro-pneumonia be not made compulsory. 9. That communication be opened with M. Pasteur with a view to ascertain whether the virus or contagium of pleuro-pneumonia has been or can be cultivated apart from the living subject, and, if so, to state the mode of cultivation, as also the best methods of preparing and preserving virus for inoculation. 10. That all sheep infected with catarrh be destroyed ; that the owners be recompensed to twothirds the value of sound sheep at the date of destruction ; and that the run or place on which the sheep were pasturing be strictly quarantined for six months. 11. That, as the conditions are so various in the different colonies, each colony should legislate for itself where practicable on the subjects of fluke, worms, and foot-rot in sheep. 12. That the Government of Western Australia be urged by the Governments of the colonies represented at the Conference to take all possible steps for the speedy eradication of scab. 13. That the Conference, having heard from Mr. Lance, one of the New Zealand delegates, the steps taken by the Government of that colony with regard to scab, are satisfied that the stringent measures being adopted will result in the speedy eradication of the disease. 14. That the several Governments obtain power, in the event of an outbreak of scab, to destroy at their discretion the infected sheep, and those that have been in direct or indirect contact with them, and to take every other means for the absolute and immediate eradication of the disease. 15. That steps be taken by the several Australasian Colonies to thoroughly eradicate ticks and lice in sheep. 16. That any animals found to be infected with glanders, farcy, foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, sheep-pox, swine-fever, rabies, trichinosis, or any other infectious or contagious disease not existing within the colonies be at once destroyed. 17. That it is desirable that an efficient and competent staff of inspectors of stock be maintained in each colony, to prevent the introduction and to arrest the spread of scab or any other contagious or infectious disease. 3. Interchange of Australian Animals. 18. That no sheep brought from any of the Australasian Colonies in which scab exists be introduced into any of the other Australasian Colonies. 19. That no colony shall be deemed to be a clean colony in which scab exists or has existed within the next preceding twelve months. 20. That no breeding-sheep shall be imported except by vessels that have not traded to any but a clean Australasian Colony within the next preceding six months, nor by any vessel which, shall within that period have had any sheep on board from any colony or country other than a clean Australasian Colony. 21. That all breeding-sheep be accompanied by a certificate of an Inspector of Sheep, or a declaration of health certified by an Inspector of the colony from which they came, that such sheep are clean, and that scab has not existed there for the preceding twelve months. 22. That imported breeding-sheep from any of the Australasian Colonies, before they are allowed to go at large in any other Australasian Colony, be placed in quarantine until they have been once dipped in a tobacco-and-sulphur or lime-and-sulphur dressing. 23. That the temperature of the dip be not less than 100, nor more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit. 24. That the sheep swim and be completely immersed while in the bath, and the bath to last from one to two minutes, according to its temperature, and as the case may require. 25. That no straw, litter, or excreta with or about imported sheep be landed; and that all fittings, cases, or cages brought with such sheep, and landed, be cleansed and disinfected as the Chief Inspector shall direct, or be reshipped. 26. That it be not necesarry to dip fat sheep imported from any clean Australasian Colony to another Australasian Colony solely for the purpose of slaughter, provided that such sheep be slaughtered in accordance with the regulations of any such colony for such description of sheep. 27. That stock, unless from Western Australia, which are allowed by law to travel in the Australasian Colony in which they have been bred, or into which they have been introduced, in accordance with the law there in force, be allowed to enter any neighbouring colony by land at any lawful place of entrance without further obstacle, unless it be found on examination by an Inspector of the colony into which it is proposed to introduce such stock that they are infected with some disease which is held to be contagious or infectious by the law of such colony, or unless such Inspector has reason for suspecting the presence of contagious or infectious disease in such stock; and the fact that stock are held to be free from disease in any colony, and so allowed to go at large, be primd facie evidence of their freedom from contagious or infectious disease. 28. That where an outbreak of disease occurs in any colony the neighbouring colonies may, pending the extent and risk of the outbreak being definitely ascertained, at once issue a prohibition against the introduction of stock from such colony; and that the duration of the prohibition depend upon the amount of risk arising from such outbreak. 29. That the Conference desires to express its strong opinion, in view of the prospect of the assimilation of the stock regulations of the different colonies, and the great desirability for the freest interchange of stock, that it is undesirable that any duty be charged upon stock going from one colony to another.

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4. Introdxiction of Foreign Animals. 30. That the time has arrived when the prohibition on the importation of cattle and sheep from the United Kingdom may, under proper restrictions, be safely removed, and that the Governments of Australasia be requested to give effect to this resolution. 81. That ths importation of goats and deer be prohibited except for zoological gardens. 32. That the importation of pigs be prohibited, as swine-fever is prevalent in England. 33. That foreign dogs landed in any Australasian Colony be detained in quarantine at a special place set apart for the purpose by the Government of each colony for a period of six months from date of arrival. 34. That camels be inspected on arrival by an Inspector of Stock and a veterinary surgeon, and if they are not infected with disease they be permitted to land, and be quarantined for the same period as cattle—namely, 120 days ; that if they are infected with foot-and-mouth disease or rinderpest they be destroyed; and that all camels suffering from any skin-disease be treated in such manmer as the Chief Inspector shall direct, and under his control. 35. That the following be included among the regulations under which foreign stock are admitted into any Australasian colony : — (a.) That foreign stock leaving any district for export to any of the Australasian Colonies be accompanied by a declaration of cleanness from the owner or breeder. (6.) That all foreign cattle and sheep be taken direct from the place from which they start to the port of shipment; and if they do not travel on foot they be conveyed in a goodswagon, and not put into any conveyance, stable, or other place where animals liable to the same diseases have been within the next preceding sixty days. (c.) That all animals exported to Australasia be shipped from the Port of London. (d.) That the Agents-General for the several colonies be asked to appoint one [i.e., the same) registered veterinary surgeon to examine all stock intended to be exported to any of these colonies; such veterinary surgeon to give a certificate of health to accompany the animals. (c.) That the skins of all animals which may have died or been slaughtered on board any foreign vessel during the voyage, and not destroyed or thrown overboard, be salted and securely 4 packed in cases or casks, and not landed. (/.) That foreign animals be only admitted at such port or ports as shall be declared quarantine ports for such animals. (g.) That a declaration be obtained from the captain of the vessel as to the health of foreign stock on board on arrival in port. (h.) That the introduction by sea or land of any animal or thing infected or suspected of being infected be prohibited. (i.) That if foreign animals are infected, they be destroyed or disposed of as the Minister directs. (_/'.) That if any foreign animals are brought to a port or place in an Australasian Colony, but are not intended to be landed, they be examined by an inspector or veterinary surgeon, and if found free from infectious or contagious disease, removed to quarantine, and there kept until the sailing of the vessel, the expense of their detention in quarantine being defrayed by the owner. If their owner refuse to send the animals to quarantine, they be forthwith destroyed on board. (/<;.) That foreign horses be admitted without quarantine if found, on inspection by a properlyqualified veterinary surgeon and Inspector of Stock, to be free from disease. (I.) That foreign animals intended to be landed in the colonies be examined by a veterinary surgeon and an Inspector of Stock, who shall report to the Chief Inspector of Stock whether or not such or any other animals on board such vessel are infected. (to.) That if foreign animals other than horses are not prohibited, and are reported free from infection, and if the Chief Inspector be satisfied that they are not infected, they may, after being washed and disinfected as he shall direct, be landed for quarantine on sufficient bond and guarantee. (n.) That all foreign animals be conveyed by water, at the owner's risk and expense, Co quarantine, and remain for the terms respectively prescribed for the different kinds of animals, at their owner's risk and expense, and that they be washed, dipped, and disinfected, as the Chief Inspector of Stock shall direct. (o.) That the period of quarantine for cattle be 120 days. (p.) That all foreign sheep landed in any Australasian Colony remain in quarantine for a period of not less than ninety days. (q.) That all foreign sheep landed in the colonies forthwith receive two or more dressings with tobacco and sulphur or with lime and sulphur, at intervals of from ten to fifteen days between each dressing, with the medicaments of the strength, at the temperature, and for the duration prescribed in regard to imported Australasian sheep. (r.) That on the expiry of the term of quarantine prescribed for foreign animals they be examined by a duly-qualified veterinary surgeon and an Inspector of Stock, and released on the order of the Chief Inspector. 5. Publication of Information re Diseases. 36. That the several Governments be invited to collect, publish, and exchange all original useful information with respect to diseases in animals, and their prevention and cure. 6. liegulations re Travelling and Movement of Animals. 37. That regulations in regard to the travelling, movement, or conveyance of animals be left to be dealt with by each colony within its own boundaries.

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7. Destruction of Noxious Animals. 38. That, as the skins of marsupials have become so valuable, the several Governments of the colonies in which marsupials exist instruct the Vermin Boards, or others who have the administration of the law, not to levy assessment for the coming year or for such further period as may be deemed advisable. 39. That the means at present available for the destruction of rabbits are most costly, and are not radical cures, and that until some discovery shall have been made more searching and fatal in its effects upon rabbits than anything at present known their absolute eradication cannot be accomplished. The Conference therefore recommends that a bonus be offered by the Australasian Colonies collectively for the purpose of bringing about such a desirable object; such bonus to be granted under such regulations as to success as the colonies may consider desirable. 8. Destruction of Noxious Plants. 40. That the Governments of the several colonies, where they have not already done so, take power to make the destruction of noxious plants, such as prickly pear, Californian thistle, Bathurst burr, Noogoora burr, and other plants injurious to wool, stock, or pastures, compulsory. 41. That collections be made of all plants suspected of being poisonous to stock, with the view to their true character being ascertained by analysis, feeding of stock, and otherwise, and to the necessary steps being taken to prevent, as far as possible, losses to stock by such plants as are found to be poisonous. 9. The Branding and Marking of Animals. 42. That only such ear-marks as are authorized by the Governor in Council and registered with the Inspector for the district be used for sheep ; that the " tip " mark be prohibited ; and that all ear-marks be made with pliers. 43. That any stockowner owing runs in different colonies, with the sanction of the Eegistrars of Brands, be permitted to register in each colony the brand in use by him and registered in his name in .either colony, and that it be a recommendation of the Conference that such colonies as have legislation on the subject so amend their Brands Acts as to give effect to this resolution. 44. That the dew-lap mark be reserved in all colonies having legislation upon the branding and marking of stock as a distinctive mark for spayed cows. 45. That the distinctive mark in use in Queensland—taking the tip off the off {i.e. the right) ear—be used throughout the colonies as the sign of inoculation. 10. Additional. 46. That all drafts of laws or regulations dealing with the diseases of animals be, as far as practicable, submitted by the Government framing them to the Governments of the other colonies for remark before they become law. 47. That it is desirable that regulations be framed on the resolutions passed by the Conference so that the regulations and relative certificates in each colony may, as far as practicable, be the same in all the colonies. 48. That the Conference recommends to the Queensland, South Australian, and Western Australian Governments the desirability of exercising the greatest possible vigilance with respect to their northern ports to prevent the introduction of disease from Eastern, Indian, or Chinese ports. 49. That the Conference, taking into consideration the importance of the subjects that have come before them for discussion and decision, are of opinion that an Australasian Stock Conference should be held triennially at the chief city of one of the colonies, and they respectfully offer this recommendation to the several Governments.

[Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), £4,]

Authority: Gbobge Didsbuky, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.