CONVEYANCE OF SHEEP

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22507, 15 September 1938, Page 12

CONVEYANCE OF SHEEP

CONSIGNMENT NOTES TO BE USED MOVE TO PREVENT THEFTS [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.! WELLINGTON, September 14. General approval of the Stock Amendment Bill, which places restrictions on the conveyance of stock with a view to checking sheep stealing, was expressed during the second reading debate on the bill in the .House of Representatives to-night. The Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. W. Lee Martin) said that the bill had the sup-, port of farmers’ organisations, and had been introduced largely at their request. It would afford greater, protection against sheep stealing, which was fairly prevalent in New Zeaiand. The main proposal was the introduction of the consignment note system for the conveyance of sheep by motor vehicles. "I don’t say that the scheme is fool proc»»,” added the Minister, “but it provides a means of checking up more efficiently than is the case at present.” Mr W. J. Poison (National, Stratford) said that fortunately there was not very much cattle stealing. The bill .dealt more particularly with sheep, although it could apply to cattle as well. The consignment note system would prove a deterrent to dishonest drivers of motor vehicles, who at night might take the opportunity to get away with someone’s stock. A farmer who wanted to convey stock in lorries for more than a certain distance would have to supply the driver with a consignment note signed in triplicate. The Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. A. Hamilton). Mr T. D. Burnett (National. Terauka), and Mr' H. M. Christie (Government. Waipawa) also I spoke in support of the bill, which was | passed.