IMPORTED DISEASES 13 



A second resolution was passed at the first annual general 

 meeting on 12th December, 1866, viz.: 



" That the Central Chamber views with alarm the opening of 

 store markets and fairs under licence, and feels confident that 

 there is a serious danger of the spread of Cattle Plague incurred 

 by the relaxation, of the stringent regulations which were in 

 force previous to the 7th November last." 



From which it may be inferred that their previous resolution 

 had been ignored by the Privy Council. 



At the same meeting the following regulations respecting 

 the importation of foreign cattle and the general cattle trade 

 of the kingdom were adopted : 



" That the importation of foreign stock should be confined 

 to certain ports, specially licensed by Government, which ports 

 should be provided with suitable markets, slaughter-houses, 

 quarantine grounds, and officers. That all foreign fat stock should 

 be forthwith slaughtered at such markets, and that all foreign, 

 store stock should be subjected to 28 days' quarantine before 

 they are permitted to remove inland. 



" That if the Rinderpest or Sheep Pox be again imported or 

 break out afresh, slaughtering and compensating powers similar 

 to those of the Cattle Disease Act of February last should at 

 once be put in force, and the district proclaimed. 



" That stringent regulations should be made with regard to 

 the expeditious transit and watering of animals conveyed on 

 railways, and that a thorough cleansing of all trucks, pens and 

 lairs and the proper space and ventilation of the holds of Cattle 

 Boats should be enforced by Government inspection. 



" That the wilful exposure of any animal suffering from such 

 contagious diseases as Rinderpest, Pleuro -pneumonia, Sheep 

 Pox, Scab, Glanders (or Foot and Mouth Disease) upon any high- 

 way, boat or railway or in any market or fair, should be an offence 

 punishable with fine or imprisonment. 



" That a more stringent inspection of all dead meat, especially 

 that imported from countries known to be suffering from Cattle 

 Plague should be enforced by Government." 



The minutes continue thus : <; Considerable discussion 

 ensued upon these resolutions as to the propriety of including 

 in the fourth resolution as an offence ' the wilful exposure of 

 animals suffering from Foot and Mouth Disease,' and the 

 balance of opinion being against the retention of these words, 

 they were struck out." 



Education has evidently made some progress. It is not 

 easy to imagine the reception any speaker who should suggest 



