26 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA: 



disease as it is added to the list. It is necessary that this be done 

 according to Section 12, Sub-Section 1, of the original Act, No. 1432, 

 1896. The more important ones relate to the total prohibition of 

 certain plants; for instance, in view of the prevalence of the Potato 

 Blight in New Zealand, it was thought necessary to totally prohibit 

 potatoes from that country. The mangoe also was, for a while, 

 totally prohibited entry into this State. This was done to minimise 

 the danger of the introduction of fruit fly from Queensland, as this 

 class of fruit was commencing to be imported in large quantities, 

 and was being sold in barrows in the streets of the metropolis. 

 Since then, as the new system of inspection of imported fruits is so 

 thorough, it has been considered advisable to remove this restriction. 



In brief, the following is a list of trees and plants which are 

 prohibited, subject to the Regulations : 



(See printed sheet marked "No. 2 " herewith.) 



As this includes all parts or products of the foregoing, the wide 

 range of the different trees, plants and their products, which the 

 work of inspection embraces, will be realized. It is very necessary 

 that this should be so in order to prevent the introduction, or the 

 possible introduction, of diseases, which are, as yet, unknown in 

 this State, and which, if introduced, might sound the death knell of 

 the livelihood obtained by many in the cultivation and sale of the 

 products enumerated above. 



The proclamations dealing with these different trees, plants and 

 vegetables are not necessarily uniform in their action, but have had to 

 be modified to suit the tree, plant or product to which they may be 

 applied. For instance, the regulations dealing with the importation 

 of bananas and citrus fruits from Northern ports are more elaborate 

 that those dealing with any other class of fruit or plants. This is 

 necessary to prevent the introduction of those enemies which 

 orchardists have most reason to dread, viz., the various species of 

 fruit flies. These fruit flies, being almost ubiquitous, may be 

 introduced in fruit coming from nearly all fruit-producing countries 

 of the world. " Therefore, it has been thought necessary to proclaim 

 every known species under one drag-net proclamation. This has 

 been done, and Inspectors may now seize and destroy fly-infested 

 fruit from any country whatsoever. 



I am, Sir, 



Obediently yours, 



E. MEEKING, 

 pro Senior Inspector, Fruit Exports and Imports. 



