OVERSTOCKING OF FARMS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9189, 8 September 1908, Page 4

OVERSTOCKING OF FARMS.

We feel that a duty is devolving upon us, from a humane standpoii>t, to protest that farmers in some of our back country have shown a lamentable disregard for the sufferings of the brute creation of overstocking their farms to very much beyond a reason ible carrying capacity. The general public of the district have little idea of the number of dead cuttle there are to be seen on some properties adjacent to Maslerton, and after making all allowances for recent climatic reverses, it is obvious that a penny wise and pound foolish policy has caused a wholly regrettable loss of valuable stock, and many flagi rant instances of cruelty to dumb creatures. We are informed that many dead be aits are to b° found on the hillsides and flat country—animals which have starved to death suffering a crueller ordeal by far than the fate of the shambles. ' Bad markets and depleted pastures do not justify the farmer subjecting his stock to a starvation diet on the offchance of things brightening. Far, better would it be to realise at a loss and ease the pastures, or it such even be impossible to encompass for stock a speedier and more humane end than the gnawin* pangs of starvation. If the unwise methods of some farmers in showing a reckless want of consideration for the welfare of their beasts continues to be shown, it must eventually result in the authorities interfering, and /such farmers would no doubt be the first to complain of their being inspector-ridden. Recent experiences may possibly teach a lesson to a few graziers.