QUARANTINED CATTLE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2094, 9 November 1880, Page 3

QUARANTINED CATTLE.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE PRESS. Sib, —For the information of the public, and as an excuse for the non-appearance of Mr S. Gardiner's cattle in their pens in the show grounds to-morrow, we furnish you with the following further correspondence which has taken place between the Colonial Secretary, the Chairman of the Cattle Board, and ourselves, which we will thank you to publish for general information, (Copy of telegram to the Colonial Secretary and the Hon, J. Hall, Wellington.) “ Sir,—Samuel Gardiner, of Brunswick Park, Victoria, shipped seven choice shorthorn cattle, fortified with all necessary declarations and certificates from Victorian authorities and breeder. Inspector here says cattle are free from disease, and yet Cattle Board, who misinterpret the Act, refuse to release cattle, which are now in quarantine on Peacock's wharf, Lyttelton. This is a great hardship, os the cattle are of the most fashionable and valuable class, and sent forward for purpose of competing at our Canterbury show to-morrow and Wednesday. The Cattle Board here evidently misinterpret the meaning of the Act, as the cattle, the herd, and district they come from are free from disease. As cattle should be released tonight, will you kindly telegraph Board or Inspector instructions to release, also wire us (reply paid).— Respectfully, H. MatbON & Co., Agents.” To which we received the following reply:— “ Messrs Matson and Co., Christchurch. I have rooc-ived your telegram respecting cattle. Regulations give Cattle Board full direction as to time during which any cattle shall remain in quarantine, except that time must not exceed forty-two days. The Board can release the cattle after one day’s quarantine if they think fit, but Government have no power to interfere in the matter. Signed, John Halh,”

Upon receipt of the above we sent a messenger for the Cattle Inspector, who at once responded to our call, and to whom we gave a copy of our telegram and the original answer from the Colonial Secretary, upon receipt of which he at once proceeded to procure a quorum of the Cattle Board, and promised to lay the case before them, and return with the Board’s decision, which he did in due course to the following effect: —“ The Board met, and sec no reason for departing from their previous decision.” In answer to onr interrogatories the inspector's reply was—“ So far as I can see, the cattle are perfectly free from disease.” In conclusion, we ask those interested to judge for themselves. Yours, Ac., H. Matson & Co., Stock and Station Agents, Christchurch. November Bth, 1880.