THE MUNICIPAL ABATTOIRS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 162, 3 August 1909, Page 4

THE MUNICIPAL ABATTOIRS

PROPOSAL TO EXTEND TO THE COUNTRY. The County Council yesterday received a letter from Mr. F. T. Bellringer, lun-n clerk, u>. Gif the Council would agree to the u.. ..daries of the Sew Plymoutil abattoir district being extended to include all the country within three miles of the borough boundary, the Borough Council to remain the. controlling authority. The letter pointed out that by agreeing to this proposal the Council would, at no cost to itself, obtah for a large number of its ratepayers the benefits to be derived from the inspection of all meat by a Government expert. The Mayor (.Mr. G. Tisch) waited on the Council and pointed out that a settler within the abattoirs district could still kill meat for his own consumption.

Councillor Allanson wondered whether it would affect two or more settlers who wished to share a sheep. His Worship then retired, the Council deferring discussion until later in the afternoon. When at last its turn came, there were only live members present, three having left to catch the train. Councillor Allanson expressed the opinion that the matter was one to be decided by the full Council. The chairman concurred.

Councillor Andrews desired to point out that by adopting tic proposal the Council might do a very great injustice to many of their ratepayers Jiving within the three miles limit, for the extension of the boundary would prevent their being served as at present by country butchers, who sold meat much more cheaply than the New Plymouth butchers. Carts came all the way from Okato to Omata. He, didn't like'giving the New Plymouth butchers a monopoly like this, and was convinced that the butchers were behind the suggestion. The chairman thought the suggestion for inclusion should have come from the county ratepayers concerned. He would like their view of the proposal, and had no doubt it would he obtainable if the matter were deferred for a month.

Councillor Allanson pointed out that the extension of the boundaries would prevent farmers killing and selling, as at present allowed up to a certain amount.

The Act was referred to, and it was found that the " bona fide farmer" was not allowed to kill and sell witfnin three, miles of any borough, so that the position would be unaltered in that respect. The councillors present declined to take the responsibility, and deferred decision for a month.