STOCK DAMAGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 30, 30 June 1939, Page 7

STOCK DAMAGE

BLOCKING OF DRAINS

ACTION AGAINST DROVERS

The legal position regarding damage to County drains and private fences was discussed by the Whakntane County Council when it had before it a letter from the secretary of ihe Rangitaiki Plains Branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union stating that large mobs of cattle grazing on country roads were causing damage, and desiring to know whether any dress could be claimed for such damage, and whether the council was doing anything in the matter. The chairman reported that the council had ample ground for recovering damages where its own property was concerned. It could anticipate damage and take action or recover afterwards. It was possible to pro. ceecl for damages, or to lay an infoi[mation and obtain a line. A private person was not in, such a satisfactory position. Straying stock might be impounded and damages claimed but he was unable to say whether stock in chargc of a man could be said to be straying. Cr ,F. J. Burt was concerned about damage to hedges by .stock held on roads in jMatata. It was pointed out that travelling stock could not be interfered with when held in the county for rest periods or during meal periods for the drovers. Cr L. Luxton said tha,t the mobs got into drains ancl blockages were causcd when drovers dug beasts out. It was often impossible to trace the drover concerned and bring the offence home. Was the responsibility of clearing a blocked drain on the council, or on the private landholder? The chairman said that the position was that they could proceed for dam age to county property. If the drain was connected with road drainage it was the council's responsibility. The appointment of a ranger would no doubt help the position. It was decided to advise the Farmers' Union, on these lines.