IMPORTATION OF LIVESTOCK

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24912, 27 June 1946, Page 4

IMPORTATION OF LIVESTOCK

QUARANTINE SYSTEM TO BE REVISED DIRECT SHIPMENT PROPOSED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 26. A revision of the present quarantine system for stock being imported into New Zealand so that they could come direct to this country was forecast by the Director-General of Agriculture (Mr E. J. Fawcett), speaking to a conference to-day of delegates of agricultural and pastoral associations. ‘‘lt would get rid of all this messing around which is necessary at present,” he said. A quarantine station at Auckland on one of the islands in the harbour was proposed. An embargo was placed on the direct importation of stock from overseas, particularly from the United Kingdom, said Mr Fawcett. Stock at first was held up in a quarantine station in Canada or Tasmania for three months. Later this was reduced to one month. Now the legality of this procedure was being questioned. Tasmania had asked questions, and Canada had indicated that she might have to deprive New Zealand of the use of her station, though she did not want to. This created a problem for the Dominion that needed serious, consideration. He did not think that, with •proper quarantine at the other end and at a coastal station here, there was any worry about any disease such as foot-and-mouth disease, so stock could be brought direct from the United Kingdom. At present other nations besides New Zealand were interested in getting new livestock. Some competition for the best was likely, so a more expeditious way of importing into this country seemed desirable. A quarantine station was proposed for Auckland. There had been one there, but the Navy had taken it over. Somes Island, in Wellington harbour, was of no use, because about 90 per cent, of overseas ships went to Auckland. Later the meeting passed a remit from the northern district'council that as Auckland was the first port of call for many overseas steamers carrying livestock, a suitable quarantine station should be established there.