APPENDIX. 5
It is common knowledge that commerce may not only increase
the number of pests but may convert a pest, not especially injurious
in one country, into a plague in another and this because the new
habitat may be more favourable or perhaps more so because its
hereditary enemies are not at the same time introduced.
For protection against the pests and diseases which are
indigenous and also to prevent the introduction of others, legislation
was introduced. For the purpose of this paper the subject will be
dealt with under three heads: —
1. Regulations governing the Importation of Plants.
2 Regulations governing Plantation Inspection.
3. Plant Quarantine.
I. ImporTATION OF PLANTS.
In the Colony there is a very wide range of climate—from
tropical through subtropical to temperate and even arctic. There
are, therefore, conditions under which nearly all crops, fruits, and
plants of the world can be grown as well as all kinds of vegetables,
conditions which are unrivalled perhaps anywhere in the world.
But, going hand in hand with these conditions, there are
opportunities for the establishment and perpetuation of all the pests
and diseases of every clime.
The costly experience of other parts of the world shows that the
war against imported pests and diseases may run up a huge bill and
may make all the difference between profit and loss.
In the past there may have been some misunderstanding and
there may have been a feeling that personal rights were being
interfered with or even withdrawn but it is now being more widely
recognised by settlers, planters, nurserymen and gardeners that any
importation of plants whatsoever from overseas brings with it the
risk of the introduction of a new pest or disease; also that, as no
inspection is perfect certification and inspection do not eliminate that
risk but merely reduce it, it is in their own interests to comply with
the regulations, to watch carefully the plants which they import and
at once report any pest or disease which may be found.
The Diseases of Plants Prevention Ordinance, of April 15th,
1910, made it lawful for the Governor, from time to time, to make,
alter or repeal regulations for all or any of the following purposes: —
» For regulating the importation into the Colony of any plant
affected or liable to be affected with insect pest or plant
disease.
(b) For preventing the introduction or spread of any insect
pest or plant disease to which plants are liable.
In the Ordinance the term ‘‘ plants '’ includes growing trees,
plants or portions thereof such as cuttings, buds, seeds. fruit, and
vegetables.
The first regulations under this Ordinance were issued in October,
1910, by Sir E. P. C. Girouard, who was then Governor. These
regulations were in force until 1921, when they were amended. In
July, 1924, they were further amended and are the regulations,
which with some slight additions. are now in force.
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