WORK OF S.P.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 152, 23 March 1939, Page 6

WORK OF S.P.C.A.

Annua] Conference Held REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES “We regret and lament the fact that in ibis country, so far advanced in many respects, we lag behind other countries, particularly Britain, in the matter of the humane slaughtering of stock,” said the president of the Federation of New Zealand Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Rev. Mr. Carr, M.P., in his address at the annual conference of the federation in Wellington yesterday. t It was suggested that a return should be secured showing the methods . of slaughtering in the various districts. At present there appeared to be no uniformity, Mr. Carr said. It was the desire of the federation to secure the use of humane methods of slaughtering. , • i Another question that had occupied the attention of the societies was that of the use of anaesthetics in operations on animals. In Britain a Bill making the use of anaesthetics compulsory in certain operations had become law by a practically unanimous vote, but in New Zealand the Minister, of the Crown approached by the federation had declined to take up the Bill on the subject which bad been drafted by the federation. About two years ago the Government bad introduced a sort of omnibus measure, the Slaughtering of Stock and the Inspection of Meat Bill, and Mr. Carr hoped during the next session of Parliament the. Bill would come before a Select Committee for the hearing of evidence. If that were done the federation would avail Itself of the opportunity of making suggestions. The federation was deeply interested in the method of dealing with . the rabbit menace, he said. The Agriculture Department in its pamphlets and advice still adhered to the barbarous method of phosphorus poisoning. Apparently little has been done to use the cyanide fumigation method. The federation was also interested in the endeavour to secure the use of more humane traps.

The conference decided to write, to county councils, stock and station agents, and the Railways Department emphasizing the necessity for the provision of adequate drinking facilities for travelling stock.

Representations are to be made to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, with a view to securing the prohibition of the shooting of godwits. The conference placed on record its appreciation of the services tp the cause of animal welfare of the late Mr. G. Mitchell, Wellington.

The following officers were elected: President, the Rev. Mr. Carr; chairman of the executive, Mr. J. H. Howell; Dominion executive. Mrs. C. Christie (Taranaki), Messrs. Spencer Mason (Auckland), H. F. Herbert (Canterbury), W. B. Bennett (Wellington). A. F. Wimsett (Palmerston North).

Britain's youngest farmer is said to be sixteen years.old. He farms 1.30 acres near Marlow, Bucks, employs six men, and has about 30 bead of cattle.