RAILWAYS AND RACEHORSES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 17 September 1913, Page 6

RAILWAYS AND RACEHORSES.

MINISTERIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. {By Telegraph — Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. The Minister -of Railways has replied, through the president of the Racing Conference, to the representations placed "before him in July last by a deputation from the conference. The Minister said a very strict instruction had been given regarding the cleaning of stock wagons, but during the busy season owners of racehorses prefer to have the wagons supplied before being cleaned rather than have any slight delay. Special care was taken in connection with the cleaning and disinfecting of trucks in which animals known to be diseased had been conveyed. Instruction was given some time ago that each horse-box be provided with a colza roof lamp, and instances where this had not been done if supplied will be investigated. The only apparent advantages possessed by the class of horse-bo*x used in Westralia and Queensland is the provision of a double roof and water tank, and [cushioned seats in the groom's compartment. Suggested improvements and alterations to the horse-boxes, now in use on the xNew Zealand railways were being invited, ancL ,the matter would be again referred to the department's officers. As to the conveyance of racehorses by special trains, the Minister states thai if owners will combine and give a load of 25 boxes or 50 horses, the department will run a special train, if convenient, for the conveyance of hor-i ses from Christchufch to Dunedin/ or Dunedin to Invercargill. The pre 4 sident of the conference, communicated: further with-the Minister on this point, suggesting a reduction in the minimum combined load to-16 boxes or 32- horses. The Minister replied that the department was prepared to reduce the number to 40 horses or 20 four-wheeled wagons.