L—ll

2

The Cattle Bill. The Committee, to whom was referred the Cattle Bill, 1890, has the honour to report that it has considered the various provisions of the Bill, and that, subject to the alterations and amendments shown upon the copy of the Bill attached hereto, it is of opinion that the Bill should be allowed to proceed. 22nd August, 1890.

No. 192.—Petition of the Rev. J. C. Andbew. The petitioner states that the powers already possessed by Rabbit Inspectors have been abused, and prays that their powers be not extended. I am directed by the Joint Live-stock and Rabbits Committee to report that the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition be granted. 20th August, 1890.

No. 245. —Petition of Allan Low. The petitioner states that he entered into contracts with the Stock Department, represented by its Inspectors, to breed ferrets for a term of years, and that the department wrongfully put an end to the contracts before the time agreed on. He prays for relief. I am directed by the Joint Live-stock and Rabbits Committee to report that, the subject of this petition having already been dealt with by the Supreme Court, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1890.

No. 53. —Petition of Ewen McDonald. The petitioner states that his land at Waihemo is so situated as to be invaded by rabbits from adjoining country every autumn ; that he has spent all his means in improving his land; and that from the fault of the Rabbit Department he is annually deprived of his winter feed and forced to sacrifice his stock. I am directed to report that the Joint Live-stock and Rabbits Committee recommends that the Minister in charge of the Stock Department should refer this case to the Chief Inspector for report upon it, the session being too far advanced for the Committee to get the necessary information respecting it. 4th September, 1890.

No. 36.—Petition of John Cole Chapple and 70 Others. The petitioners state that runholders in their district, with the consent of the Inspector, allow rabbits to breed almost undisturbed on their land in spring and summer. They pray that the runholders be compelled to kill the rabbits during those seasons. I am directed by the Joint Live-stock and Rabbits Committee to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Minister in charge of the Stock Department for the purpose of inquiring into the statement made in the third paragraph of the petition. 11th September, 1890.

No. 152. —Petition of J. E. Gloveb and 154 Others. The petitioners state that the Rabbit Act has been a complete failure in their district, and that under present conditions farmers are unable to cope with the rabbit-pest. They pray for assistance by the supply of wire-netting, and that, under proper restrictions, wire-netting be made a legal boundary-fence. I am directed by the Joint Live-stock and Rabbits Committee to report that the prayers of this petition have been met partly by legislation of this session and partly by recommendations in the general report of the Committee. 11th September, 1890.

Genehal Repobt. Youb Committee has the honour to report that its time has been mainly occupied with the consideration of the Bills relating to sheep, cattle, and the rabbit-nuisance, which were referred to it from the House of Representatives, and which have passed through all stages in both Houses of Parliament. Sheep. Your Committee has also had under its notice various matters connected with the Live-stock Department, and is much gratified to learn from the reports of Inspectors that on the 30th June last clean certificates were held by all owners of sheep in the colony. The three districts, Tophouse, Kaikoura, and Miranda, which last year were still infected with scab, have, after a very careful inspection, been declared free from this disease, whilst no fresh outbreak has occurred in any other district. Your Committee considers that there is now good reason for believing New Zealand to be absolutely free from scab ; but two years must elapse before it can be deemed to be clean within the meaning of the regulations in force throughout the Australasian Colonies for the prevention of diseases in stock. Lung-worm and other diseases in sheep being on the increase, your Committee considers it very desirable that Professor Thomas should be requested to complete the investigations commenced by him a few years ago, and also suggests that Mr. J. P. McClean, M.R.C.V.S., should be employed in the same direction.