S.P.C.A. MEETING.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1851, 10 September 1913, Page 8

S.P.C.A. MEETING.

THE TRAPPING OF OPOSSUMS. Tho Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals met yesterday evening, Mr. R. H. Webb presiding. Inspector Seed referred to what lie considered a very kind and humane act, which an officer of the wrecked steamer Devon had done, in bringing ashore two kittens and a cat from tho vessel. Incidentally, ho mentioned that lie was sending to the London offices of the society a photograph of the officer in question landing with the two kittens in his possession. Other (members present expressed approval of tho ofnoer's and it was decided to send a complimentary letter to,him. "" Tllo J ' illispetto'f' aldtf' 'reported that ho had had his attention drawn to children playing with diseased dogs. Ho had seen tho dogs, which were in a shocking condition, and lie expressed tho opinion that it was a case for tho Health Department. • Tlie society resolved to hi form the Health Department. . .

Reference was made in the inspector's repbrt to the manner in which the opossums were, trapped on the Government reserve at Waikanae. The traps, it was staged, were sot on Sunday, and sometimes were not visited for a week. Tho agony which these animals suffered could only be imagined. ' 'The manner in which tlioy kill these harmless animals," said the' inspector, is brutal. The farmers in the vicinity state that the animals do not do any harm." During tho discussion which followed .it was stated that spring traps were used, and it was contended that a moro humane method should bo adopted. . With a view to approaching the Government, the matter was left in the hands of tho chairman, to confer with tho chairman of tho local Acclimatisation Society. The following is a list of donations received since the last meeting of the society:—Messrs. H. Cook and W. H. Field, £1 each; Evans Bay Timber Co., Mr. Pearson, Messrs. Easson Bros., 6s. each; Messrs. J. and J. M. Morfeo and. M'Gutcliewn, J. J. Boyd, A. and W., A. S. Colyer, G. Pethenck, Mrs. Orsborn, Mrs. Steele,, Mrs. Hardwick Smith, 2s. Gd. each; Mrs. Boniface and Mr. H. C. Airfcli, 2s. each; and "Friend," 6d. Total, £4 2s.