23 







REPORT FROM CHIEF FRUIT INSPECTOR. 



FRUIT DIVISION, GOVERNMENT COOL STORES, 

 FLINDERS STREET, MELBOURNE. 



22ND JUNE, 1908. 



MR. C. FRENCH, F.L.S., 



Government Entomologist, 

 SIR, 



I have the honor to furnish herewith, as you requested, an 

 additional report re the work of inspection at the wharves, markets, 

 etc., under the "Vegetation Diseases Acts," and also to render a brief 

 outline of the amended Acts since the original one was passed, and 

 also the general effect of same. 



Since the issue of Part III. of "The Destructive Insects of 

 Victoria," additional legislation dealing with the treatment of insect 

 and fungus diseases of fruit and plants has been passed. As will 

 be remembered, the original Act. No. 1432, was only a tentative 

 measure intended to remain in force for a term of three years until 

 its beneficial effects (or otherwise) were made manifest. At the 

 expiration of that term, the benefits derived by the passing of this 

 legislation were so apparent that a small Bill to continue the 

 original Act indefinitely was brought before the House and easily 

 passed. It was found that in the old Act provision had not been 

 made for one phase of the subject which was very essential to the 

 proper administration of this form of legislation, viz., the inspection 

 of diseased fruit in markets. An amended Act, No. 1773, was there- 

 fore passed on the 23rd December, 1901, dealing with this aspect of 

 the question. Under its provisions no person is allowed to sell, 

 attempt to sell, or expose for sale, any diseased tree, plant or 

 vegetable. Clauses were also included empowering Inspectors to 

 seize diseased trees, plants or vegetables ; both locally sold, imported 

 or introduced. Power was also given Inspectors to enter any 

 market, stall, shop or place, or any vehicle or stand, for the purpose 

 of examining trees, plants or vegetables. Clauses were also intro- 

 duced empowering the destruction of any such diseased trees, plants 

 or vegetables, subject to the approval of the Minister or the 

 expressed consent of the owner. Penalties were also provided for 

 the contravention of any of the Sections of this Act up to W. 



As stated previously, in view of the danger of the introduction of 

 fruit fly and kindred pests, it was thought necessary to more rigidly 

 examine imported consignments of fruit and plants. As this, how- 

 ever, would entail many additions to the staff, and consequent 



