CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1922, Page 6

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

WORK OF THE S.P.C.A. THE ANNUAL The annual meeting of the New Plymouth branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held at the Soldiers’ Club last night. There was a small attendance of members, over whom Mr. R. Clinton Hughes (president) presided. The president’s report stated: “The year just ending has not been marked by any event of outstanding interest. The work of the society has gone on without interruption, and the fact of the existence of the society, and that the services of its officers are available at all times to those seeking its help, seems to act as a deterrent to those who might otherwise offend by illtreating or neglecting animals. Numerous cases have occurred when the inspector (Mr. Wickham) has drawn the attention of owners of animals to minor offences not serious enough to warrant a prosecution, and in such cases his warnings and recommendations have been generally attended to promptly. There has been only one prosecution, one arising out of a horse being worked by a farmer, the horse having a wound oil the shoulder. In this case a suostantial fine with costs was inflicted. “It is a matter for regret that the annual essay competition among State schools did not take place this year. A special committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements, but arrangements for a meeting of this committee had lapsed twice owing to accidental circumstances, and finally, when it was found that the school examinations would interfere with tue proposed competition, it was decided reluctantly not to have the competition this year. Next year an early start for preparing for the competition will be made. I would welcome from the members any suggestions that tney would be pleased to make to render more effective and interesting our appeal to the rising generation to become interested in our work. I venture to make this suggestion, that two or three prizes be offered to State school or high school pupils for the most ’nt.eresting and effective case of aid to a sick or wounded animal or of affording relief to an animal exposed to danger. Another prize might be offered to anyone furnishing an account of any remarkable instance of intelligence in any animal.

“The trucking of stock is a matter which has occupied the attention of the committee, reports having been received of cattle left at railway stations overnight without food or water, and of cattle being injured in transit. It is difficult to sheet home responsibility in these cases. The Railway Department, however, have always replied .courteously to any complaints. The committee desire to express its appreciation of the services of their inspector (Mr. C. J. Wickham) and of their secretary (Mr. E. L. Humphries).” The balance-sheet showed that the year had commenced with a credit balance of £3l 9s 10d, donations had amounted to £7. subscriptions £l4 19s fid. interest 10s fid, and refund of car hire £4 10s. making a total of £5B 9s 9d. The expenditure side showed secretary’s and inspector’s honoraria at live and ten guineas respectively, and miscellaneous other expenses, including travelling expenses £9 6s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £33 Ss fid. The assets were the bank balance and a donation from the secretary (Mr. E. L. Humphries) £lO, while the liabilities were, secretary’s salary £lO. No. 2 account £lO. and petty cash Ss lid, leaving a net surplus of £22 19s 7d. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: Patron, Hon' d. Samuel. K.C.: president. Mr. R. C. Hughes (both re-elected); vice-presi-dents, Dr. Brewster and Archdeacon Evans; committee, Mesdames Martin Daily, and Earp, Miss Curtis, and Messrs. Sceates. Barthorpe, L. Etherington. D. P. Evans, and Stratford: secretary. Mr. E. L. Humphries; auditor, Mr. E. Lash.

On the motion of Mr. Stratford a vote of thanks -was accorded to Mr. Humphries and Mr. AVickham for their services during the past year.