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that it has not suffered from, or been exposed to the infection of, foot-and-mouth disease within the six months preceding the date of shipment. " (2.) That during the course of an outbreak, and for a period of one month from the date of the completion of the slaughter in the latest confirmed outbreak, shipment for the Commonwealth be entirely suspended, and that during these periods no certificate shall be signed by the Chief Veterinary Officer." I have, <fee, R. M. Ferguson, Governor-General. The Right Hon the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Commonwealth of Australia, No. 166. Sir, — Downing Street, 22nd February, 1916. With reference to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 385, of the 20th November, 1915, I have the honour to transmit to you, to be laid before your Ministers, copy of a letter from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on the subject of the proposals which the Commonwealth Government intend to submit for consideration at the next Imperial Conference with reference to the importation of animals from the United Kingdom into Australia. I have, &c, A. Bonar Law. Governor-General His Excellency the-Right Hon. Sir R. Munro-Ferguson, G.C.M.G., &c. Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, Whitehall Place, London S.W., Sir,— 12th February, 1916. 1 am directed by the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to refer to your communication of the 6th ultimo, relating to the importation of live-stock from the United Kingdom into Australia, and the proposals which the Government of the Commonwealth intend to submit for consideration at the next Imperial Conference. I am to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State, that in accordance with the regulations of various countries to which live-stock is exported, the Board supply official certificates testifying that no case of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred during a stated period in the district where the animals have been located prior to their shipment. These documents are issued under the official seal of the Board, and are signed by one of the officers who are authorized to authenticate such documents. Lord Selborne thinks that it may be useful that the Australian authorities should be made aware that their proposals as regards the procedure to be followed in the issue of such certificates would not in his opinion be at present either convenient or feasible. On the merits of the proposals themselves Lord Selborne would not propose to enter at the present time, as he is of opinion that it would be preferable to defer discussion on the general subject until the meetings of the Imperial Conference. I am, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. Sydney Olivier, Secretary.

No. 23. New Zealand, No. 1.29. My Lord, — Downing Street, 22nd February, 1916. ■ With reference to my telegram of the 16th instant, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, printed copies of an extract from the London Gazette of the 15th February containing an Order by His Majesty in Council, dated the 15th February, extending the ships-licensing system. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 15th day of February, 1916. Present: The King's Most Excellent Majesty in. Council. Whereas a state of war exists between His Majesty and the German Emperor, the Emperor of Austria King of Hungary, the Sultan of Turkey, and the King of the Bulgarians : And whereas His Majesty holds it to be his prerogative duty as well as his prerogative right to take all steps necessary for the defence and protection of the realm : And whereas His Majesty did by Order in Council dated the 10th November, 1915, prohibit the carriage of cargo.by any British steamship exceeding 500 tons gross tonnage registered in the United Kingdom from, one foreign port to another, unless exempted by license : And whereas it has been made to appear to His Majesty that it is essential to the defence and protection of the realm that, in the exercise of his prerogatives as aforesaid, he should prohibit, as from and after the Ist day of March, 1916, any British steamship registered in the United

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