THE BOROUGH BYE-LAWS.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 23, 2 September 1882, Page 2

THE BOROUGH BYE-LAWS.

jn THE EUITOB.pF TUli FEILDIKO STAB. Sin, —With reference to the meeting which, I see, is called for Saturday evening next with tlie view of petitioning the Borough Council to alter the bye-laws, and which, I presume, has been convened in consequence of the energetij proceedings of the new Hanger, iTVOuld, with all deference to the promoters of that meeting, suggest that the olrject sought to be obtained would be more likely to succeed by a representation o£ . the facts to the Council, and requesting : them to modify .their instructions to the Ranger, with respect to the straying of cattle, tbau by calling upon them to alter the bye-laws. I have no hesitation in saying that iv. my opinion the bye-laws are excessively stiingent, and much more suitable for a densely-populated city than for a country town like this; ,a.nd .that, therefore, although it may be useful for the Council • to possess the powers. which, these laws : give them, they ought to be exercised with greater discretion. I With respect to the straying of cattle, | there are various opinions as to whether iit should be allowed .or no.t. There is, no doubt, much to be said on both sides, and 1 think, that if allowed at all, it ought to be restricted to certain defined limits: writhin. :the t; Boipugh ; •lah<di that under no circumstances should cattle be impounded when straying within those limits, until the owners had received one or two warnings. Before concluding this letter, I should like, with respect to the,bye-laws generally, to express my opinion that it is neither the province of, no? customary for, the police to ferret prosecute the public fo_r any breach of them. Instructions for all;'prosecutions shoal 1 etnanate direct, fVom. the Council, v^ho have a discretion as to the. jenforcenaefifc of the laws. —l am, &c, i i > . .• >■.-' Samui-x Goodbehebe. FeilcUng r.3lst A.-ugj, .1882.- . .1