DUMB ANIMALS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1744, 8 May 1913, Page 9

DUMB ANIMALS.

S.P.C.A, CONFERENCE ENDS,

NATIONAL SOCIETY,

TO CONSOLIDATE HUMANE WORK. Tho conferenco of tho various branches of tho Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Animals concluded yesterday. It was hold at tho Chamber of Commerce Mr. R. 11. Webb presiding. Consideration of tho Wellington Society's remits was resumed. Tho first taken was Remit No. G, which read: "That it is desirablo that local authorities should have power to issue licenses for cabs and other vehicles subject to tho condition that only suitable horses should he used. And that steps bo taken to attain this end." After discussion tho remit was carried. Remit No. 7 read: "That the question of weight of loads be considered with a view to securing a reduction where necessary in tho weight allowed by tho bylaws of local authorities." In connection with this, tho following resolution, moved by.Mr. J. D. Avery (Wellington) and seconded by tha chairman, was■ carried: "That, in tho event of a Dominion executive being set up by this conference, the matter contained in Remit No. 7 be referred to such executive; otherwise that it be sent as a special remit to each of tho N«w Zealand Societies." Co-operation of the Police. Tho chairman moved: "That steps bo taken to secure complete co-operation of tho police with the society." In moving this motion the chairman remarked that the AVellington society had not got very much aid from the police. Tho society wanted to feel that it had the hearty co-operation of the polico force. It was not levelling a charge against any particular member of the force, but they had not, at present, had tho co-operation whith they desired. Colonel Porter (Gisborne) said that his society had the co-operation of the police, and he could not see why they did not have complete co-operation in Wellington. Mr. J. H. Haiikins (Palmerston North) mentioned that his society got every assistance from the police in their own ais trict. IHe considered that some regulation should bo framed to guide tho police in this mntter. Other delegates paid tributes to tho nolice co-operation in their respective districts. After further discussion tho motion was withdrawn. Mr. Hankins then moved: "That the Minister for Justice bo aslrrd to consider the desirability of laying down some regulation under which tho polico might afford assistance in carrying out. tho operations of the societies." The chairman sencoded the motion. Colonel Porter considered that a resolution of the kind would cast reflection on members of tho force. Ho would vote against it. Tho motion was carried by five votes to two. . Carriage of Poultry. ■ Remit No. 10 was as follows:—"That somo legislative provision be mado to regulate the method of carriage of poultry, in particular as to tho coop space necessary for different classes of poultry."— Carried. : Inspectors' Legal Powers. ' Tho question whether greater legal powers should bo obtained for the inspectors of tho societies was next discussed. Tho chairman remarked that inspectors did hot' get the assistance which they needed in tho execution of their duties. Inspector Seed (Wellington) was of opinion that every inspector should have power to destroy animals whoa necessary, instead of having to find a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Hankins considered that it would not be right for inspectors to have the power to destroy animals. He thought that it was necessary that permission should first be obtained. Tho chairman moved: "That greater legal powers be obtained for the inspectors of tho societies." Tha motion was carried. Veterinary Aid. Mr. Hankins moved f "That the ■ Minister for Agriculture be asked to permit the veterinary surgeons in the employment of the Government to give gratuitous services to the societies in urgent cases, provided thut such aid .did not interfere with their departmental duties." Tho motion .was seconded by Mr. G. F. Robiuson (New Plymouth) and carried. A New Zealand Society. Colonel Porter moved: "In the opinion of this conference it is desirable that a 'New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' be organised upon the same basis as in Great Britain by the Affiliation of the various societies throughout the Dominion, each society still retaining its independence in local administration: Also that, in the opinion of the conferenco, such organised cohesion of societies will ensuro uniformity of action,' better attainment of tho general humane objects of tho association, and will financially benefit all, enabling sympathisers (as in Britain) to donate funds or leave legacies to the recognised permanent National Institution for distribution pro rata among branches: Further, that, to carry out this resolution, an executive committee be formed by a nominated member from cach society represented at this conference, Mr. Avory to act as hon. secretary."—Carried. Joint Committee Set Up. Mr. Bridge moved, and Mr. Parker seconded: "That a committee representative of all branch societies be set up to givo effect to resolutions nf this conference." Carried. ' Consequent "upon tho above motion, the following committee was appointed:— Messrs. 11. H. Webb (Wellington), J. H. Parker (Canterbury and Timaru), J. H. Hankins (Palmerston North), J. D. Avory (Otago), Colonel Porter (East Coast), and Mrs. Christie (Taranaki), with power to add to their number. A further motion was passed empowering the appointed committee to draft the constitution of the proposed New Zealand Society. Other Resolutions. A resolution was unanimously carricd to the effect that the Government's attention be called to tho wide and indiscriminate use of poison for tho destruction of animal pests. Tho mover stated that numerous cases of iho poisoning of pot animals had come under his notice. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the veterinary profession) for assistance given to tho societies throughout tho Dominion. A vote of thanks to tho chairman concluded tho business.