STOCK CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2418, 29 October 1892, Page 4

STOCK CONFERENCE.

Wellington, Oct, 26. The Stock Conference to-day had a long discussion on the question of declaring New Zealand a clean colony. Mr Brydone gave notice of motion “ That after next shearing of the flocks in the last infected district, and if on inspection of such flocks they be found free from scab, the Conference recommends the various Australian Governments to remove the restriction, and that colonial steamers carrying sheep shall not bo liable to be inspected.” Various diseases affecting live stock were considered by the Conference, and a large amount of information as to the prevalence of diseases was given by the delegates. The Conference unanimously recommended that an efficient staff of inspectors be maintained in each colony. It was resolved that a laboratory for the purpose of investigating diseases in sheep, cattle and horses, etc., be established.

Mr-Coleman Phillips read a paper on the rabbit peat, for which he received the thanks of the Conference. A number of resolutions were carried affirming the principle that the responsibility for rabbits must rest on landholders, the State accepting similar responsibility for unoccupied Crown lands ; that the rabbit peat has made the continuance of a eystem of an annual lease impossible; that no finality in rabbit destruction will be obtained without making the erection of rabbit-proof fences compulsory; that the department administering the rabbit destruction Acts should be empowered to permit the fencing of holdings in groups; that simultaneous operations for the destruction of rabbits in infested country with netting 42 inches wide, 3 feet above, and 6 inches in the ground, with mesh of 4£ inches, form a practical barrier against the increase of rabbits; that the system of compulsory trapping with professional trappers is radically bad, that legislative measures be taken compelling landowners and lessees in infested districts to join in the erection of rabbit-proof netting and fencing, and to make additions to existing fences. The Conference report that triennial conferences should be continued, and that conferences of delegates from agricultural societies should be held annually. Oct. 27, The Stock ConLience resumed to-day, Sir John Hall presiding. Mr Brydone’s motion recommending that New Zealand bo * declared clean if after next shearing the flocks last inspected are found to be free of scab, was carried unanimously. A motion by Mr Bruce was also carried to the effect that it is desirable that an efficient and competent staff of inspectors of stock be maintained in each colony, to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious and infectious diseases in each colony, and to give other colonies confidence that stock to be introduced are free from infection, andjthat where stock come from a colony not maintaining such staff, the colony into which they are to be introduced be entitled to put on such restrictions as may be deemed necessary by way of guarantee that such stock are not infected. It was resolved that regulations in regard to travelling, movement, or conveyance, of animals be dealt with by each colony within its own boundaries. A paper on cross-breeding in sheep was read by Mr Roberts, and one on the frozen meat trade by Mr Brydone. A very long disussion took place on Mr "Brydone’s paper on frozen mutton. Regulations relating to the importation of stock were considered and passed. Mr Coleman Phillips’ paper on rabbits also gave rise to a great deal of discussion. Mr Roberts gave notice of motion—“Thst as no disease exists in cattle in New Zealand, the Tasmanian Government be requested to allow New Zealand cattle to enter that colony without imposing any term of quarantine.”

LABOUR, ETC. London, Oct. 26. The ballot taken among the members of the Durham Miners Union resulted in the rejection, by a majority of two to one, of the proposal in favor of an eight hours system. Oct. 27. The unemployed are appealing t<> the Government and the County Council for the establishment of national and municipal workshops and communal farms. The Welsh tin-plate mills haveclosed, and many thousands of workmen are idle. Paris, Oct. 26. Through the intervention of M. Loubet, the Premier, M. Calvignac, mayor of Carmaux, is to be re-instated in the employ of the raining company, and it has been arranged that leave of absence is to be granted him during the term he holds office as mayor. The company will also re-inslate all workmen who went out on strike with the exception of those who have been convicted of riotous behaviour. M. Hurabolt, manager of the company,who resigned in consequence of the trouble regarding M. Calvignac, has assumed his old position. Oct. 27.

The miners on strike at Carmaux have rejected the award made by the Premier, who acted as arbitrator in the dispute. They consider the terms of the award monstrous, and distinctly in favor of the mining company. The strikers are determined to stand by those of their number who were convicted and punished for riotous behaviour. The general impression is that the Premier, by his conduct in the matter, has endangered the safety of the Ministry. The London Times regards the failure to arrive at a settlement of the dispute, as a triumph for the Socialists and Anarchists. New York, Oct, 25. It is stated that the pointsmen engaged on the United States railways will strike during the Chicago World’s Fair. Dunedin, Oct. 27. The Minister of Public Works,Mn a telegram to Mr Earnshaw, M.H.R., about the unemployed, says that the only certain solution seems to point to taking the men to the North Island, where there is any amount of road work and bush-felling.