H.—37.

would, in view of the surrounding circumstances, secure reasonable ventilation without draught. But the physical circumstances prevailing in different localities being so various, we do not find it practicable to prescribe uniform minimum requirements in this respect. 14. We recommend that where cows housed in one district supply milk to another district, the local authority of the district in which the cows are housed shall be bound, when required, to supply to the local authority of the district in which the milk is sold or consumed full information and veterinary reports regarding the condition of the cows, byres, &c, whence the milk is drawn. Where the local authority of one district are dissatisfied with the reports so obtained, they may apply to the Local Government Board, with a view to an independent inspection arid report being made. F. Elimination of Bovine Tuberculosis. —ls. We recommend that funds be placed at the disposal of the Board of Agriculture in England and Scotland, and of the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council in Ireland, for the preparation of commercial tuberculin, and that stockowners be encouraged to test their animals by the offer of a gratuitous supply of tuberculin and the gratuitous services of a veterinary surgeon on certain conditions. These conditions shall be — (a) That the the test be applied by a veterinary surgeon ; (b) that tuberculin be supplied only to such owners as will undertake to isolate reacting animals from healthy ones ; (c) that the stock to be tested shall be kept under satisfactory sanitary conditions, and more especially that sufficient air-space, ventilation, and light be provided in the buildings occupied by the animals. 16. We recommend that the Board of Agriculture in England and Scotland and the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council in Ireland undertake the circulation among agricultural societies of instructions for the proper use of the tuberculin test, with explanation of the significance of reaction, and directions for effective isolation of reacting animals." Three of the Commissioners—Sir Herbert Maxwell (Chairman), Mr. Harcourt Clare, and Mr. Cook-Trench—dissociate themselves from the finding in respect to the claim for compensation by buchers for carcases seized and condemned for tuberculosis. In a separate report they state their reasons, and make the subjoined recommendations : " We recommend that the owner of a carcase confiscated and destroyed, wholly or in part, by order of a Magistrate on account of tuberculosis shall receive full compensation and repayment of the amount paid by him for the animal, provided— (a) That the Magistrate ordering confiscation shall satisfy himself that the animal had a good appearance before slaughter, was well nourished, and exhibited no visible signs of tuberculosis; (b) that no compensation be paid for any animal for which there has been paid less than a minimum price, to be fixed from time to time by the Board of Agriculture, according to the market values current, nor in excess of a maximum price to be fixed in the same manner ; (c) that no sum shall be paid in compensation except on the order of the Magistrate ordering the confiscation of the carcase ; (d) that all compensation so ordered shall be charged against and paid by the Council of the administrative county, which shall be entitled to repayment of one-half the amount from Imperial funds." Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,375 copies), j£2 9s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 3d.]

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