THE RAILWAY AND THE CATTLE TRAFFIC.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1895, 28 August 1884, Page 3

THE RAILWAY AND THE CATTLE TRAFFIC.

TO THK KHUTOR. The following -extract from a letter written by an Auck'and butcher will show the disadvantage of sending fat cattle to market so long as the present style of truck is used :— "They are really nice teef, and suit the butcher as well as the consumer. They are, however, much bruised about the hipa and rump, which cannot be avoided in the present trucks. The trucks will have to be well padded, and cattle trains will have to run direct to market." A great improvement would also be effected by placing the door near the end of the truck instead of in the centre, as at present. If this weie done cattle could be trucked without the hammering and knocking about which is often required to get them well packed in a truck with the door in the centre. Cattle trains should also be started slowly, as a sudden jerk in skirting often throws a bullock down to be trampled on by its mates. As there seems no piospect of improvment, I intend to return to the old system of driving. Capt. Steele and myself will join in sending a mob of fifty in two or three weeks. Cattle can be diivcn quite as cheaply as they are now earned bj' rail, and I ha\e been assured by Auckland butchers that driven cattle would bring from 10s to 20s more per head than if trucked under the present system. —I am, &c., Henry Reynolds, Manager W.L A.