H.—2

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The Chaieman moved, " That this Conference sees no objection to a slut being allowed to visit a dog in quarantine, or vice versd, provided she remains in quarantine until the dog is released, or, if rabies is developed, that both dogs be destroyed." Mr. McClean seconded the motion. Mr. Tabaet thought this would be establishing a very unwise precedent. If they permitted this in the case of dogs it would be demanded in the case of other animals. Owners would want ewes sent to the ram and mares sent to the horse in quarantine. Mr. Eitchie understood it was the practice at the present moment. He remembered telegraphing to Mr. Bruce last year asking if New South Wales would allow it, and getting an affirmative reply. Mr. Goedon said, Suppose a slut were put in a fortnight before the dog was released. Mr. McClean said, In that case she remained until the dog went. The fact of a clean certificate being given for the dog would imply a clean certificate for the slut. Mr. Goedon thought a dog might inoculate a slut before rabies was developed. Mr. Boag asked if the existing regulations allowed a slut to visit a dog in quarantine. The Chaieman believed they did. Mr. Pack thought it better to let the matter work its own remedy. It was no good a professional man doing anything in the matter if the laymen were against him. Mr. Eitchie considered it was more a matter for the profession than for laymen. Mr. Pack believed he was the only man there who had been to Pasteur's Institute and seen rabies. He could say that he had never seen a mad dog in his life. Many people had gone to the Institute under the impression that they had been bitten by mad animals, but there was no positive proof that that had been the case. The Conference divided on the motion. For, 4 : New Zealand, 3 ; Tasmania, 1. Against, 8 : Queensland, 3 ; Tasmania, 2 ; New South Wales, 3. Motion negatived. Inteoduction of Eoeeign Stock. The following letter was received from Mr. C. J. Valentine, Chief Inspector of Stock, South Australia : — Sib, — Stock and Brands Office, Adelaide, 17th October, 1892. I have the honour to address you by authority of the Hon. the Minister controlling the Stock Department, and request you will place this letter before the Stock Conference. There are two subjects of important general interest which I understand will be brought before the Conference, and one matter particularly affecting South Australia upon which I shall be pleased to obtain the concurrence of the Conference. In asking that the Conference will accept this letter as an expression of opinion and intention to carry out such conditions in South Australia, should the Conference agree to make the alterations mentioned affecting the introduction of stock from beyond the Australasian Colonies, I wish to express my regret that South Australia is not represented at the Conference. At the Stock Conference held in Melbourne in 1889 I moved for the reduction of the term of quarantine imposed on imported sheep to sixty days from the date of landing in Australia. Although the motion was rejected, I have been pleased to note since that time a desire on the part of the Chief Inspectors of the other colonies to accept a reduction of the term, and I hope the stockbreeders will also indorse such action should the Conference favour a reduction. The second important matter to which I desire to draw your attention is the removal of the prohibition against the importation of swine from countries beyond the Australasian Colonies. There is a growing desire on the part of breeders to obtain a change of blood in their stock, and this I think should be carefully considered. Swine-fever has been so much less prevalent in Great Britain during the last year, and the term of incubation of the disease is known to be so short, that with the improved and careful restrictions placed on the introduction of stock into Australasia I believe the time has arrived when the prohibition may be removed, and swine admitted under a fixed period of quarantine of sixty days from the date of landing. The decision of the Conference in this matter I trust to be able to indorse. At previous Conferences it has been agreed that stock imported from beyond the Australasian Colonies should only be landed at certain ports. In South Australia it was fixed to be at Port Adelaide. It has been found desirable that horses should be allowed to land at Port Darwin, and be there quarantined as agreed for a term of fourteen days ; but, as no veterinary surgeon is stationed at Port Darwin, and the Inspector is a temporary Inspector, before making Port Darwin a port of landing it has been considered advisable to refer the subject to the Stock Conference. The course to be adopted would be for the importer to obtain a veterinary certificate of the health of the animal at the time of shipment, and the Inspector at Port Darwin to be satisfied the animal is healthy. It will then be landed and quarantined under his supervision. Trusting the labours of the Conference will result in substantial benefit to Australasia, I have, &c, C. J. Valentine, Chief Inspector of Stock. The Chairman of the Stock Conference, Wellington, New Zealand. Mr. Eitchie moved, " That a reply be sent stating that the two first propositions—namely, the limitation of quarantine on imported sheep to sixty clays, and the introduction of swine—had already been agreed to by the Conference ; but that the proposal to land horses or other stock at Port Darwin without inspection by a veterinary surgeon cannot on any account be agreed to." Mr. Beuce seconded the motion.—Agreed to. Eepoet op Conference. The report of the Conference, as drawn up by the Committee appointed for the purpose, was presented.