LONG TRIP

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 443, 26 May 1937, Page 4

LONG TRIP

I CATTLE FOR WORKS Large Herd At Stratford 1 One of the largest herds of cattle seen .on the roads in the district for some' time was accommodated at Stratford on Sunday night prior to continuing the journey tO' the Waitara freezing works next day. There were 280 animals in the herd and some had come las far distant as Raetihi. At Waverley the herd was taken over by Taranaki drovers, and yesterday, after a journey of five days, the cattle were safely delivered! in good condition. ■ At Stratford it wlas found that the ford at the Patea river in King Edward Park could not be used, and it was' necessary to bring the herd through the town across Victoria .bridge to Miranda Street. Next morning the drovers found that their horses had got out of a paddock in which they had been placed, but it ■was not until this morning that the horses were found, and it was necessary for one of the men to walk to Waitara. The longest single day’s travelling was 14 miles, and that was considered too far by the drover In charge, but it wlas necessary to plan the day’s trip so that food and paddocking for the cattle at night could be secured. On one day’s journey the cattle were on the road after nightfall, and there was a wordy duel between exasper. I a'ted motorists and a tired and irate drover. At Midhirst some excitement was caused when the herd, frightened by a train, stampeded in the township. AU that teh drovers could do was to call oft their dogs and wait until the cattle settled down again.