THE CONDEMNED BEEF.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2961, 12 August 1878, Page 2

THE CONDEMNED BEEF.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Sib,—l think that my interest and the interest of every butcher in this place,-as well as the public at large, require a few words about the case of condemned meat that was before the Magistra' c's Court yesterday.. I bought it at a public auction in Auckland. It was a young heifer in good condition. I bought it for first-' class beef, and paid a first-class price for it. It came from the South, and was shipped to Onehunga and driven overland to Auckland Market. I was the buyer, and as it was stormy weather I wa9 afraid of it being knocked about if brought down to the Thames alive, which caused me to send it to the public slaughterhouse to be killed that it might land in better condition. We bad many witnesses in court on Friday that knew Hef a great deal better than Dr Payne did, and that would have pronounced the beef sound and good, and quite suitable for human food; but there was only evidence for one side, and according to that evidence Mr Mason did not say that the whole was not fit for food, only the part which was bruised, yet the whole was condemned to be destroyed. Had Mr West's evidence been taken instead of Dr Payne's, it would have been much more to the point, and more satisfactory to have abided by his opinion. As a man of thorough experience and ability to judge, he was there prepared to give evidence whether it was good or not, and was. surprised at the result of the proceedings. Mr West says that if every beast that got a bruise, and the whole carcase be destroyed, theu hundreds of beasts would be destroyed on the Thames, and the price of beef would be enormous. It is a pity that we are left at the mercy of such judges as Dr Payne and Mr Mason, that say one thing to-day and another to-morrow. The Magistrate remarked that I was looking at my pocket. Most certainly I was. I have my bills to meet. W. Brown. Thames, August 10th.