PROHIBITION 0? THT* IMPORTATION OF CO TTON PLANTS . 
It seems quite possible that a cotton growing industry can and will 
he built up in this country. Planters are becoming interested and some 
my wish to import seed. There has already been one application to do 
this from Messrs, Dale Rees and Nicholson, D.A. II©5/22. 
2, Cotton all over the world is subject to numerous pests and diseases 
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several of which can be carried on or in the seeds. The American Boll 
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weevil (Anthonomus grand!s, Boh,) is probably the most important pest 
which for certain does not occur in this country. We are not yet certain 
how namy of the recognised pests and diseases of cotton do occur here, 
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3, It is, therefore, of great importance to orevent If possible the 
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importation of any pest or disease on any plants or seeds ©d coltor, 
5Urther t if* a successful industry is to be established, MMM we should 
aim at cultivating a limited number of pure races of cotton of particular 
ly good quality adapted to the different conditions of the Peninsula, It 
is, therefore, undesirable tp permit the introduction of numbers of 
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'different kinds and races of cotton, a procedure which must result in a 
mixing of types and general deterioration of the cotton grown here, 
4, I attach draft notification under the Colonial Ordinance No, 166 
(Agricultural Pests) for publication in the Gazette to restrict the 
irr^ortaion of cotton plants and especially of cotton seed, 
5, I am not certain if the phrase n Through the Agricultural Department* 
is legally in order, I wish to ensure that all shipments ©f cotton 
plants or seed be consigned to this Department to be forwarded to the 
purchaser. This will enable us to make a condition that the Department’s 
officers can examine the seed and treat it as may be considered 
necessary, ot if imperative destroy it. It will also enable us to 
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control the amount and types imported and to keep trace of all 
consignments. 
Sd, P.W,South 
