20 CATTLE DISEASES 



deal with it on the fundamental lines laid down by the 

 Chambers, with regard to either seaport slaughtering or 

 quarantining of foreign animals ; of giving sufficient compensa- 

 tion to stock owners for securing the detection of contagious 

 disease, or for a better supervision of the transit of animals 

 by sea and land. 



In their Annual Report for this year the Council express 

 their opinion that the long delay of just remedial measures 

 may be, to a great extent, attributable to the erroneous 

 views which have ruled in the Veterinary Department of the 

 Privy Council ; they therefore urged the Associated Chambers 

 not only to renew their appeal for an amendment of the Act 

 of 1869, but also to press for a change in that Department 

 which for years together had failed to save herds and flocks 

 from periodical decimation by imported disease. 



1875. 



Resolutions were passed in April and November reiterating 

 the opinions previously expressed by the Council, and at the 

 latter meeting it was agreed to send a deputation to the Prime 

 Minister to present a memorial to him setting out their views. 

 Mr. Disraeli, however, declined to meet the deputation, and 

 intimated that all representations on the subject should be 

 addressed to the Lord President of the Council. 



1876. 



The most important event of this year was the resignation 

 of his office in the Government by Mr. Clare Sewell Read, 

 as a protest against the policy of the Privy Council with regard 

 to cattle diseases. Mr. Read had all along taken a most 

 active part in the work of the Chamber, in educating the 

 public as to their interest in the health of our live stock, in 

 helping to formulate the demands of the Chamber, and in 

 bringing the matter before Parliament. He was almost 

 unknown outside agricultural circles, and the offer of a position 

 in the Government was due solely to his worth and ability. 

 It was no small sacrifice on his part, as he could not look for 

 reinstatement through family influence, nor would his means 



