THE STOCK ACT, 1892.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3136, 20 August 1892, Page 2

THE STOCK ACT, 1892.

Thb following telegram reached Uβ yesterday. From the comments by the sender, Mr F. Lawry, AI.H.R., it is desirable that some expression of opinion should be given by those most interested in the matter, and it seems to us to demand a special meeting of the Farmers' Club to consider the matter :—" I had a consultation with Mr Lake re Stock Bill, and have decided to wire you for publication a full text rf the proposed new clause in Stock Bill. Your readers will see how adversely it will affect the interests of the stock owners in the North Island, in fact they would not be able to drive stock across a road to watnr without tar brandinsr them first. This clause is in my opinion more objectionable than the taxing onu and equal to the driving clause in its harassing nature. The Bill will b» consisted by the Stock Committee in a few days, in the meantime Waikato stock owners can send mean expression of their opiuioti on these clauses. Colonel Fraser is equally strong in condemning them. Subjoined is the proposed new clause:—'4B. A.: Every owuer intending to drive or cause to be driven any cattle outside the limits of land in his lawful occupation shall, in the case of cattle, first distinctly braucl with his registered brand in tar on the rumps every such head of cattle. Io the case of sheep distinctly mark every such sheep poll of the bead. Every owner who drives or causes to be driven any cattle or sheep not so branded and marked is liable to a penalty not exceeding five shillings nor less than threepence for every head of cattle or sheep not so branded or markotl ; in the case of sheep or cattle exposed for sale the vendor shall be deemed to be the owner liable.'" [From tho report of proceedings in the House last night it will be seen that ths Minister for Lands has dropped the Bill. —Ed.] ,