“THE LITTLE MAN’S COW."

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1541, 24 August 1905, Page 4

“THE LITTLE MAN’S COW."

GRAZING LICENSES.

In Mnngoro tliore aro a numhor of dedioatod roads which havo not been properly forinod, and aro not urgently required Jat present. By paying an annual gate license the adjoining property owners havo boon allowod to place gates across and enclose some of thoso roads. Lately a dispute arose ovor the enclosing of ono road, and the gate was pullod down. The Road Board was then asked to adjudicate, and a petition was, sent in asking that the road bo oponod. The Board did not' wish to uct hastily, and a public meeting was convened. Much interest was taken in the mooting, and the small farmers who have grazing licensos for thoir cattle did everything, to ensure a good attendance, as it was'- 1 reported that in the event of the roads being thrown open it would mean that all battle would have to bo taken off tho runs, besides which an increase of rates would be made to meet the loss of revenue through tho of grazing fees:: The Chairman read a copy of the advertisement calling the meeting, and a placard, issued by the small farmers, invitifag all and sundry to “ roll up, and support the little man’s cow!” He explained that he had tried to act as mediator, and end the feud .unfortunately existing between several neighbours over the road in question. He read legal advice, stating that the placing of the disputod gate was in order. Healing with the petition, he statod that if one road were opened it would mean opening he whole.. This would mean keeping he cattle off the roads, do away with grazing fees, and also curtal revenue. This latter would not be satisfactory, as the rates would have to be increased.

Mr McOrae asked the chairman to read newspaper cuttings dealing with prosecutions by several outside road boards for similar obstructing gates. The Chairman contended that the cases quoted had no bearing >on the present case, and that the Board had every right to grant a permit. Mr McCrae; The last has caused all this trouble. \

Mr J. Albon : Has any ratepayer a permit to poisongour dogs and cows ? (Laughter). Mr Baker: Sit down, Joe. Mr Albon: Go home and rock the oradle.

The Chairman moved, “That matters be allowed to remain as they are.” ' Mr Albon : Will you not encourage men with large families ?

The ChairmanWe will not discuss that now. Mr Baker: The small man should be encouraged, and his privilege to graze should not be taken away. Mr Albon: Xou are right, Charlie; besides, if the grass is allowed to grow, and not be eaten by the cattle, we shall have our fences burnt down through careless gents, taking their girls for a walk and throwing away cigarettes. (Laughter.) Mr Trayes thought the small man ought to get the same right as the big man, Mr Henwood: Ratepayers have no right to graze cattle on the roads, and such cattle can be impounded. No one has been more pestered than I have owing to cattle getting on to my property. If one road is to be opened the whole lot should, and the runs fenced and put up to competition. Mr Albon: Do you want to drive the little man out of the parish ? Mr Taylor would not; he is true blue, and if he would only stand for Parliament we will put him in easily. Mr Henwood: It will not affect me if cattle are kept off the roads. Mr Albon: I have been here six years, and the ranger has impounded mine every year. (Laughter.)

Mr E. Ellett: And if the roads are thrown open I will have to put up a mile of fenoing. Mr Albon: lam only a little fellow. I have four children. If I am not allowed to keep cows, what will: the poor little children do ? The Chairman here put the motion, but Mr Trayes objected to a show of hands, and asked for a ballot. Only male ratepayers were allowed to vote, the ladies present being debarred.

The Chairman announced the ballot as follows:—That matters be allowed to remain as they are, 22 votes; against, 13 ; informal, one. The Chairman thought that the decision arrived at was a wise one, and an end ought to be put to the trouble. Mr Albon: Well, I would not care if I had not a cow at all, but for the youngsters. We should have privileges with big families: ' If not, well, no privileges, no more kids. (Roars of laughter.)—New Zealand Herald.