Embargo on Stock

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 13, 8 October 1937, Page 4

Embargo on Stock

INQUIRY ASKED FOR Protests Against Any Interference DI5EASE AMONG SHEEP "Over 2000 cows have died in the Waikato recently from mysterious disease, and there is another strange disease going through our sheep in Hawke's Bay, so we should take care what we are doing," said Mr W. JLivingstone, at the meeting yesterday afternoon of the Hawke's Bay branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, when the branch was discussing an article published in an English magazine, criticising the attitude of New Zealand in refusing to recognise the British quarantine system, through which 4385 animals have been exported in nine years without a single outbi*eak of foot-and-mouth diaease, The article was forwarded for the branclxconsideration hy the Hawke's Bay Provincial Executive of the Farmera' Union. The executive discussed the article at its meeting in Hastings on Saturday, and at the gathering there was more or less unanimous approval of the lifting of the present virtual embargo. But at the branch meeting yesterday the argument submitted did not carry the same conviction, and several members voiced strong protests against any interference with the existing regulations. "We should he partieular what we are doing," said Mr Livingstone, as soon as the subject was mentioned. "Over 2000 cows have died in the Wai-

kato recently from a disease that we know nothing about. Is it something that has been brought into this country? There is another disease going through. our sheep in Hawke'a Bay. We don't know where that is coming frqni, either. We are a grefit breeding country, and our exports of stud animals are increasing eteadily, Therefore, we must be most careful. "I am strongly of the opinion that this question should he left alone. I no not know whether the argument advanced is right or not, hut I think we should condemn the proposal. There are so many diseases in the world today, and I would. like first to find out where those that are troubling us are coming from." "Government Should Act on its Own," At this stage a.remit passed recently by the Wairarapa branch of the Farmers' Union and discussed at the meeting of the Hajvke's Bay executive on Saturday, was moved. The remit stated : "That the proposed quarantine regulations advocated by Mr Lloyd Hammond are not acceptable to tbis branch, and that the Government be asked to hold an inquiry into the whole question of lifting the restrictions on live-stock importation." Mr R. E.. Talbot said he thought that the remit was very non-commit-tal. The union was merely asking for an inquiry, not urging any meaauree. Mr T Priest: I cannot see the Go-

vernment lifting the embargo while the farmers are agaiqst it. Mr Talbot: The opposition to lifting it is breaking down further every day. I think the Government ought to take action to lift the embargo without worrying about the farmers, if suclx a step is going to benefit the country as a whole. It will be the Government that will ultimately have to take tho responsibility if the disease comes in. Mr Priest: The principal objection to Mr Hammond's proposals seems to he that the farmer is not allowed to select bis own animals. Under his scheme the restrictions would be tightened up so that there would he less danger than at present, and importation would be less costly for the farmer. Mr Talbot: At present we're g«tting stock in by a- round about way through other countries other than Great Britain, and that is what is making it so much more expensive for our breeders than it should be. But I've a deadly fear of foot-and-moutk disease getting here. Mr Priest: And qnyone who has seen it at Home would say you have every reason to fear, too. Freedom of Selectlon Wanted. Other members expressed strong objection to the refusal under the Hammond scheme to let them choose their own animals, but otherwise the scheme was regarded favourably. Inability to do their own selecting would seriousiy affect line breeders, it was pointed out. "I should like to see a statement of the losses incurred in Great Britaiu through foot-and-mouth disease published," said Mr Livingstone. "That, 1 feel sure, would settle the question. But if the Government will pay roo compensation for all my losses they can do what they like." ""NYe must look at the matter from tho country' s point of view, not as individuals," the chairman, Mr Priest, pointed out. The resolution already referred to was then put to the meeting and :arried unanimously. Arrangoments were made to combine with tlie Pukahu branch in holding a • field day 111 Mr R. A. .Nimon's paddoek at Havelock North 011 Oetober 16. Mr Nimon was present at the meeting, and explained the classes and conditions for the field-day. A new member, Mr Nestor Bayliss, was elected, and Mr Boyle was > i ed aelegate to the provincial executive in place of Mr J. W. Talbot, who has resigned.