94
3. The Committee consider that a Conference of this nature would serve a number of useful purposes, but two may be mentioned in particular: first, it would be valuable as bringing together the official entomologists, who could discuss problems of Imperial importance in the prevention of the spread of insect-borne diseases; and second, it would afford an opportunity of placing the entomologists in closer touch with the Bureau of Entomology, and of settling lines on which the Bureau may render further assistance to the different parts of the Empire.
4. The Committee have called special attention to the second subject in the enclosed list, viz., "The regulation of plant imports, the inspection of imports and Imperial co-operation in protective legislation: the desira- bility of establishing an Empire Convention in preparation for the next Inter- national Phytopathological Conference." This they regard as of the first impor- tance, in view of the possible establishment of an International Convention as to plant importation, and the desirability of thorough discussion of the matter from an Imperial aspect before another Phytopathological Conference, such as was held this year at Rome, takes place. They point out, however, that it is hardly practicable to dissociate the entomological and mycological sides of this question, and it is suggested that the value of the discussion on it might be seriously impaired if the official mycologists, who are concerned with the prevention of the introduction of plant diseases, are not present. It is, therefore, a matter for consideration whether arrangements should not be made for the Government mycologists or officers respon- sible for this work to attend the Conference as well as the entomologists, in order that they may take part in the discussion on this and also on any other subjects where co-operation between the entomological and mycological departments is desirable. In connection with protective legislation, I am to observe that the Bureau has in pre- paration a summary of the existing legislation in the Empire in respect of plant importation and the regulation of plant disease, and the Director states that he hopes to be in a position shortly to issue this summary.
5. In suggesting that the Conference should be held in the latter part of July, 1915, the Committee have had in mind the facts that the International Botanical Congress, at which official mycologists from the Dominions and Colonies will very possibly be present, is to meet in May, and that the International Entomological Congress is expected to take place at Vienna before the end of the summer of 1915, probably at the beginning of September. The mycologists who attend the Botanical Congress would no doubt find it convenient to remain in England for the proposed Conference, while the entomologists who would be visiting Europe in connexion with the Vienna Congress could consult together in advance on questions which will there come under discussion a month or so later.
6. The proposal made by the Imperial Bureau of Entomology has Mr. Har- court's full approval and support, and he trusts that the [Governments of Egypt and the Sudan] [Indian Government] will give it their favourable consideration. He would be obliged if he could be informed as soon as possible whether they concur in the proposal generally, whether arrangements can be made for the Government ento- mologist (or officer responsible for entomological work) to attend the Conference, and what view they take as to the representation of the mycological department at the discussions.
17914
No. 84.
am,
I &c..
H. J. READ. for the Under-Secretary of State.
COLONIAL OFFICE to THE IMPERIAL COMMISSIONER OF AGRICUL- TURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. [Ansure ed by No. 92.]
Downing Street, 29th May, 1914.
SIR,
I AM directed by Mr. Secretary Harcourt to inform you that the Imperial Bureau of Entomology has submitted a proposal that the official entomologists of the Empire should be invited to a Conference in London, during the latter part of July, 1915, for the purpose of discussing various questions which closely concern the interests of the self-governing Dominions and the Colonies not possessing responsible Government and India.
95
2. The Managing Committee of the Bureau have drafted a list of subjects* for discussion, a copy of which is enclosed; but in putting forward this programme they wish it to be understood that it is only provisional, and that they would be glad to receive any suggestions which you may have to make for adding to, or amending, the list of subjects.
3. The Committee consider that a Conference of this nature would serve a number of useful purposes; but two may be mentioned in particular: first, it would be valuable as bringing together the official entomologists, who could discuss pro- blems of Imperial importance in the prevention of the spread of insect-borne diseases; and second, it would afford an opportunity of placing the entomologists in closer touch with the Bureau of Entomology, and of settling lines on which the Bureau may render further assistance to the different parts of the Empire.
4.
5. · [See paras. 4 and 5 of No. 81.]
6. The proposal made by the Imperial Bureau of Entomology has Mr. Har- court's full approval and support, and I am to enquire whether you could arrange for the Entomologist attached to the Imperial Department of Agriculture, for the West Indies to attend the Conference, and whether you are of the opinion that it is desirable that any other member of the Department should accompany him as an expert in mycology.
&c.,
21254
SIR,
(No. 181.)
No. 85.
FIJI.
I am,
H. J. READ,
for the Under-Secretary of State.
THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 10th June, 1914.) [Answered by No. 87.]
Government House, Suva, Fiji, 11th May, 1914. WITH reference to the second paragraph of your despatch, No. 24, of the 22nd January last,† instructing me to consider carefully, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, the steps to be taken to carry out effectively mosquito destruc- tion in Suva, and to submit proposals with an estimate of expenditure which will be involved, I have the honour to forward, for your consideration, the following docu- ments:-
(a) Copy of a minute by the Chief Medical Officer, covering a memoranduni dealing with mosquito destruction in Suva by the formation of mos- quito brigades;
(b) Copy of a minute by the Chief Medical Officer, forwarding a copy of a
letter from the District Medical Officer, Lautoka;
(c) Copy of a minute by the Chief Medical Officer, forwarding a copy of a
memorandumt by the District Medical Officer, Levuka; and
(d) Extract from minutest of proceedings of the Executive Council at a
meeting held on the 6th instant.
2. You will observe that the Executive Council have advised-that, in order to secure continuity of policy, the Central Board of Health, constituted under Ordi- nance No. 28 of 1911, should be the local authority for the municipal areas of Suva and Levuka in all matters concerning the public health; that the Municipal Councils of Suva and Levuka should contribute the funds necessary for the performance of works ordered to be carried out by the Board; and that, until the powers of the local authority have been conferred on the Central Board of Health in the municipal areas of Suva and Levuka, the steps that it is suggested should be taken to establish mosquito brigades cannot be initiated with any degree of success. I concur entirely in the advice of the Executive Council, and I shall be glad to receive your authority
✦ Not printed.
• See Annexure 2 to No. 80.
† No. 68.
ļ
1.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
mmmmimC.O. 885
23 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-