Quarantine Regulations and Charges

The Conference then proceeded to discuss the question of the duration of quarantine. The remarks of the Sub-Committee were as follows :—" The question of the quarantine period has for a considerable time past engaged the attention of breeders, who are of opinion that the quarantine should commence from the date of sailing—ninety days from the embarkation, instead of from the date of arrival at the quarantine station. Were this concession granted, stock might be put on board of sailing vessels and brought out at a greatly reduced rate of cost. The chances of having infected stock put on board are very small, since such stock are invariably selected from stud establishments where contact with the general run of farm animals is minimised. It is contended that any ordinary incipient disease which might by chance be put on board would certainly develop itself in time to be detected. The charges while in quarantine are excessive, being 6d per head per day for ninety days, which, with the cost of inspection, and conveyance to and from the Quarantine Station, amounts to about £3 per head for sheep. In addition to these excessive charges the object of the quarantine is rendered partially nugatory for want of better arrangements."

Mr Cuningiiam Smith moved—"That quarantine commence from the day of embarkation."

Mr Olson seconded the motion, which was negatived by a large majority after a short discussion.

Mr Cuningham Smith moved—"That the quarantine charges be reduced to a reasonable limit; that the present regulations are so defective that the objects of the quarantine are rendered nugatory, and that the Agricultural and Pastoral Association look into the matter and recommend a fair scale of charges."

Mr Olson seconded the motion.

Mr Brown said that what was wanted was an improvement in the quarantine arrangements, which were very unsatisfactory. It was not so much the 6d per head per day, but the way the animals were treated.

Mr Deans said he could fully endorse what Mr Brown had said. They were charged 6d per day for feed, and the sheep were simply run on tussocks. He had had some sheep which came out in splendid condition, but after having been in quarantine came out looking very bad.

The motion was then put and negatived.