28 



Mr. Maetin stated that as the law now stood there was only 

 power as regards vines. Any other diseased plant might be intro- 

 duced into Victoria without let or hindrance. 



Clause 3 passed. 



Clause 4 read — 



"4. (1) No person shall import introduce bring or cause to be imported 

 introduced or brought into Victoria any insect or fungus except for 

 scientific purposes only and with the consent of the Minister. 



"(2) No person shall import introduce bring or cause to be imported 

 LQtroduced or brought into Victoria any tree plant or vegetable contrary 

 to any proclamation under this Act or to any regulation. 



" (3) Any insect or fungus or any tree plant or vegetable iniported 

 introduced or brought into Victoria contrary to this Act or any diseased 

 tree plant or vegetable imported introduced or brought into Victoria 

 and any package or case containing any such insect fungus tree plant or 

 vegetable may forthwith be seized by any person authorized in writing 

 by the Minister and shall be destroyed or otherwise dealt with as the 

 Minister may direct. " 



Mr. Martin stated, as to part 3, that some objection was taken 

 to that portion of the section. He wished to point out that in no 

 case could action be taken without the consent of the Minister, 

 and it was not likely that the Minister would give a written order 

 without full inquiry into the matter. 



Clause passed. 



Clause 5 read — 



"5. If in the opinion of the Minister the destruction of any diseased 

 trees plants or vegetables is a matter, of necessity and extreme urgency he 

 may in writing give an order directing the destruction of such diseased 

 trees plants or vegetables." 



Mr. Maktin explained that this would operate only in the case 

 of urgent necessity, and the order could only be issued by the 

 Minister, power being required principally in the case of neglected 

 orchards. As they were aware, in the neighbourhood of Mel- 

 bourne, there was a large area of old orchards neglected, which 

 were the breeding ground for a large number of the insects of 

 the colony. 



Clause passed. 



Clause 6 read and passed — 



" 6. If within fourteen days after the service upon any person in the 

 occupation of any land or building or in command of any ship or vessel 

 upon or in which there is any diseased tree plant or vegetable of an order 

 under the hand of the Minister directing such person to take the measures 

 and do the acts therein mentioned for the eradication of any disease or the 

 destruction of any insect such person do not take such measures or do such 

 acts he shall be guilty of an offence against this Act." 



Clause 7 read — 



" 7._ If proof be given to the satisfaction of a court of petty sessions that 

 any diseased trees plants or vegetables are suspected to be growing or are 

 growing upon any land such court may authorize in writing any person to 

 enter upon such land at any time with or without any assistants to search 



