THE SCAB ACT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 131, 2 June 1875, Page 2

THE SCAB ACT.

The Committee appointed to consider the working of the Nelson Scab Act report as follows: — "It is evident to your Committee that the intention of the Act was to allow the owners of infected sheep a period of three months from the issue to them of a license, within which to cleanse them, and that, if cleansed within that lime, then no penalty should attach, but the effect of a rigid construction of the 9th and 19th sections, is that the first penalty attaching v ,under the first-named section is virtually imposed when the licenso to hold is issued by the Inspector, because it is impossible for an owner after receiving a license to hold infected sheep, to muster and cleanse the sheep, and at the end of the period of three months (during which bis license protects him from penalties) to make the declaration required by the 19th section, that his sheep have not been dipped for the space of three months, and without this declaration the Inspector refuses to grant a clean certificate, yet at the same time his sheep may, at the termination of his license, be clean. iFor the abpyp reasons your Committee re-

tbkkvhjdnd tiiat periods of six months be substituted fo^'i^fe in the" 9th. section, but that in all other reWpe&is ,tlie Act be strictly enforced, particularly tfti'ere n owner does not take proper steps to clean. That the Government be empowered to appoint in any district, where required, a Boai'd for the purpose of regulating and controlling the | expenditure of all moneys received in [ such district for fines and renewal licenses, as directed by a resolution of this Council at its last session. That power should, be given to any person through Avhose property any sne't'p may be driven or travelled, to compel the driver or owner to produce a certificate of cleaiiflsss or travelling, permit from an Inspector, or a certified copy of the same respecting such sheep, and that a fine for refusing to produce or for producing false certificates be imposed,- not exceeding £50. That all licenses at present in force shall be deemed to have been issued belore the amended Act, That the 4tli section of the Act be amended by leaving out the words ' shall be an owner of or dealer in.'" — Signed : John Siiabp, Chairman. /