THE DOG NUISANCE.

New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 104, 29 May 1847, Page 2

THE DOG NUISANCE.

The strange taste which many persons evince, by keeping a number of- worthless ill-bred dogs, is really quite unaccountable. It may be that they conceive a man's importance tobe increased in a direct ratio to the number of his followers; it is, however, just as probable, tnat they give the matter no consideration at all. Whatever may be the latent cause of this dog mania, we sincerely hope that this notice will catch the attention of those individuals who are naturally supposed to be suffering from it, in order that they may learn bow much mischief they aie more or less accessory to. After many unsuccessful attempts by various persons, it is now an acknowledged fact, that sheep cannot be kept in this district; so great is their annual destruction, from a number of dogs prowling about the country. The losses, indeed, of some sheep farmers are lamentably great* when we consider that the flocks are, from the nature of the country, small, compared with those of New South Wales. Within the past year, more than one hundred sheep in one flock were killed atone time by two dogs; and shortly after this destruction of property, v upwards of sixty of another flock were killed on the spot, or so mutilated, that they afterwards died. We are acquainted with, many losses of a similar nature which parties have sustained, but trust the mention of the above, when it meets the public eye, will be sufficient to attract atten>tion to the evil. It appears singular that this sheep-killing generally takes place on wet or stormy nights, on such nights, indeed, as we have heard it remarked mat "not even a dog would go out." The sh«ep are killed, too, not for food, hut from sheer wantonness, the nose being the part usually attacked ; and the dogs apparently endeavour to imitate the celebrated "Dog Billy" in his rat killing exploits, by endeavouring to destroy as many as- possible in a given tune* These savage attacks aie not confined to sheep only ; biit catlle, from calves to lull grown beasts, as well as horses, have been occasion* ally seriously bitten, and even destroyed. We only wish people to consider for a moment how much wealth is lost to this settlement, merely by their cultivating such a strange dog-fancying propensity. It is an universal complaint that no good mutton is to be obtained ; and if something is not soon done to protect the sheep owner, there will be none. The annual income which would flow into this colony in return for exported wool, could parties safely depasture sheep here, would form an item not to be despised. At Nelson, where the settlers appear to display their taste in a better way than in keeping savage dogs, sheep prosper admirably ; and the settlers export, for so young a colony, no inconsiderable quantity of wool, — besides sheep to Port Nicholson. It is not generally known, perhaps, that New Zealand wool, well got up and properlysent home, fetches the highest price in the English market. From the equality of temperature we enjoy in our climate, the fibre, being of the same growth throughout, has no weaker portion, like what is found in the wool of other countries, where there is a great difference between the summer's heat and winter's cold. This quality is highly prized by the manufacturer. Haviog; we hope, both now and on former occasions, sufficiently exposed the dog nuisance, to shew the necessity of some immediate steps being taken by the authorities fo/ its suppression, we cannot quit the subject without calling to our aid the argumentum ad haminem* It is really dangerous for individuals to pass certain houses, especially at night,, from the fear of being at least severely bitten. We know of several instances of persons being attacked, even poor defenceless children, by savage bull-dogs. It should be borne in mine! that ddgs/aeting .together, have not only attacked human beings, but have actually destroyed and eaten them, before any assistance could be afforded : as was instanced not long/ since in England, where a nobleman's huntsman* like a second Actaeon, wasdevoured. by his own pack. We are sure that if a certain tax was imposed on the proprietor of one dog, and a verj

lieavy one on those who keep more, that their number would soon decrease. Let every one be obliged to have his name placed on a collar worn round the dog's neck ; — let there be a dog kennel, where all dogs found at large ■without this badge of ownership, be placed for twenty-four hours, and, if not then claimed, shot. Farmers, and butchers having sock, might be allowed one sheep or cattle dog, tax free, as at home ; but even this should not be granted, if the favour was observed to be pro* ductive of abuses. The Government has legislated ; the Grand Jury has presented ; let us hope the Authorities will now act.

Queen's Birth Day. — Her Majesty's birtli day has been kept at Auckhnd with the usual rejoicings. It wns to have been celebrated at Government House, W, owing to 'the presence of His Excellency being i^ldcnly required elsewhere, the promised ball was postponed to the 18th of June. (It is a curious coincidence that Sir (limit's Fit?. Roy's Queen's birth day |>aity at Sydney should have been postponed to the very same day, on account of an accident which happened to his son.) Capt. Grahame, with the bon lionimk nnd good nature of a sailor, stept forward instantly to fill up the gap made by the Governor's dcpaiture, and volunteered a party on board his ship, which, for hearty enjoyment, has been rarely equalled in Auckland. The party was kept up late, and the greatest possible compliment was paid to the gallant Captain, in every one present thinking that it was broken up too soon. — And let us take this opportunity of expressing our sincere regret at the approaching departure of our old and tiicd friends, which, as the Dido is daily cxpceti-d, must soon take place. They have known our ( olony in danger and depression, nnd again in comparative prosperity, and in the "piping times of peace." Let us now acknowledge with thanks our obligation to the blue jackets, as well for their eaily services as for the hours they have helped us since so pleasantly to beguile. However we may welcome the coming — we are not of those who speed the parting guest, and, we repeat again, it is with unfeigned sorrow that we bid farewell to Her Majesty's Ship Castor, and to all her crew. Ni.w WgsljEyan CiiApni.. — Yesterday evening the Foundation Stone of a new Weslcyan Chapel was laid by the Rev. Waiter Lawry. The notice was unavoidably short, yet a goodly number assemble] to witness the ceremony. The stone having been laid, a Hymn was su»g, and after a few appiopnate observations from Mr. X<awry, the assembly adjourned to the Chapel, where they partook of Tea, which had been provided for the interesting occasion. The Building is to be erected of Brick, upon a Scoria foundation, and its dimensions will bo CO by 50 feet. We are glad to observe, that places of public worship are increasing, not only in the 'own, but also in the suburbs. A very neat little Church was opened by the Bishop of New Zealand, on last Sabbath, at Remuera ; and on the previous Friday, a small Chapel for the Wcsleyans was opened at Eden Grove, the residence of Mr. 'Ihos. Somcrvillc.