RAILWAYS AND SHOW STOCK.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1279, 7 November 1911, Page 8

RAILWAYS AND SHOW STOCK.

TOO .MUCH I!F.D TATE. The Minister for Railways has been asked on many occasions to make 0.11 alteration in tin? certificate required by the Department for stock returning from shows. "In 'lie hurly-burly of the .-how time," says tho "Farmers' Union Advocate," this is one of the vexations pieces of red tape which every one who has had lo go through tho process finds most irksome, and the ordinary individual thinks the whole process might be much simplified. The same question came up "gam at the last A. and P. Conference, ami again tho resolution was passed, "That the Department be asked to simplify the cortiiieate for show stock." Mr. E. Hull, in moving this, said it would be a great, boon to both parties if this could be done. Tho certificates ill use in Victoria and Xew South Wales were exhibited, showing how it could be done. Mr. Fulton seconded the motion, and Enid that when tho matter was mentioned to tho Hon. Mr. Millar two years ago his reply was favourable. Mr. Ernest Short stated that it took sometimes "IS mouths to get back the freights paid." The reply to this request was in the best style of officialdom, viz., 'the certificates in nso are required in order to safeguard tho interests of the Department, and of bona fide exhibitors, and experience has shown that concessions such as there granted to exhibitors of stock, are made, cases will arise where unscrupulous people attempt to defraud the Department of legitimate revenue.' "This safeguarding eonsisls of filling in seven limes the name of the A. and ['. Association at which the stack were exhibited. If the Department cannot devise same form of certificate which needs this inserted more than once, then tiicy should employ someone capable of doing it. There is great difficulty, at show time, to got these certificates in order; everyone is in a hurry, and tho slightest informality in the certificate means that the owner has to pay full rates, and, as Mr. Short said, wait months and months, while tho matter is being investigated by different officials; occupying endless time on their part, and costing often far more than the sum in question. It is obvious, of course, that this is merely a Departmental answer. If Mr. Millar really cared for the farmers, he would give instructions to make the certificate simpler in form, and do awav, as much as possible, with the retl tape in the transact.icn. .Anparcntly he is not prepared to do so. If perhaps the A. and P. societies waited on tlie Trades and labour Council, and asked them to move in the matter, Mr. Millar's attitude might be different."