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interfered with or even withdrawn but it is now being more widely 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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