ON COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

17

F.—No. 1.

case of Otago, cattle actually grazing in Otago were prevented from going into Southland, and cattle in Canterbury aro prevented returning to Canterbury because they have to pass through Otago, the natural road compelling them to enter the adjoining Province. Witness was thanked, and withdrew. The Hon. Mr. McLean in attendance, and examined. 186. The Chairman!] You are extensively connected with the pastoral interest. The Committee are anxious to ascertain whether, by any legislative enactment or other measure, the interests of that particular branch of industry can be in any degree promoted ?■—Yes, I think it can ; its operations can bo facilitated by legislative enactment. 187. By what particular means ? —By uniform laws applicable to the whole Colony, more especially regarding the diseases affecting stock, and the transit and importation of stock throughout the whole Colony. 188. Do you consider that tho Scab Act should be a general law, or that it should be left to Provincial legislation?—l think a general Scab Act would be preferable, but it would require great care to frame it. 189. But you would not recommend that it should be left to Provincial Governments to decide whether or not such an Act should bo brought into operation within any particular Province ?—No ; an efficient general Act being passed, I should leave the Provinces no option in tho matter. 190. Will any advantage arise from Provincial inspection in addition to tho inspection by General Government officers ? —No ; there should be District Inspectors throughout the Colony, and they should be General Government officers. 191. You would propose that sheep approved by a General Government Inspector in any one district should be allowed to travel throughout the length and breadth of the Island? —Yes; provided that the disease be not subsequently detected by any other Inspector or any other person. 192. Do not the Provincial regulations often interfere to check tho introduction of superior stock for the purpose of improving the breed of sheep and cattle ? —ln respect to cattle, it is a complete check upon it in the meantime. At present a cattle-owner on the north side of tho Waitaki Biver, purchasing or importing a pure-bred bull, cannot pass the same into the Canterbury Province from the Province of Otago. 193. Are the Canterbury cattle markets open to the stockowners in Otago ? —No. 194. Is there pleuro-pneumonia in Otago Province ? —No, not now. 195. How long is it since there was any?—l have not known any cases there for the last eighteen months or two years. 196. Has there been any recently in the Canterbury Province ?—I have heard that there have been some cases in the north part of that Province. 197. Do you think that if a General Scab Act were introduced, and stringently enforced, it would be possible to entirely stamp out the scab disease ? —Yes, I quite think so ; the efficacy of such Acts depends entirely upon their strict administration. Witness was thanked, and withdrew.