IMMATURE CALVES

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20279, 23 August 1937, Page 8

IMMATURE CALVES

CARTED BY FARMERS. FIRST OABEB IN HAMILTON. ONUS ON THE CARRIERS. The first prosecutions in Hamilton for carting Immature bobby calves were brought in the Magistrate’s Court. Hamilton, to-day, before Messrs G. W. Hyde and G. K. Sinclair. J’s. P.. when the inspector of stock. Mr E. A. McKinley, laid information against two farmers under the Agriculture (Emergency Powers) Act, 1934. The inspector said that the Act placed the onus of deciding whether the calves were Immature on the carrier and not the farmer. The Bench was of the opinion that the farmer should share the responsibility and should refrain from placing immature calves at their gates to be picked up by the caiTiers. D. J. Preest. of Horsham Downs, was alleged to have carried immature bobby calves to the Horotiu Freezing Works on July 29 when, of a load of 32 calves, two were under 24 hours old and in a very weak condition. The inspector stated that the term immature could extend to calves less than five days old. Defendant said that he had never been warned and submitted that the common practice was to give the carriers a warning. He said that carriers had been offending for a considerable time and -suggested that if one carrier were to leave immature calves behind they would be picked up by the next driver. "It is time the law was changed to throw equal responsibility on the farmer.’’ said the Bench. Defendant was convicted and ordered to pay 12s costs. For a similar offence. Frederick L. Sherson was convicted and ordered to pay costs amounting to 12s. Defendant was also charged with cruelly treating bobby calves. The inspector said defendant carted 46 calves In a lorry, which allowed each a space of li sq. ft., while It was generally recognised that at least two square feet should be provided. The calves were In a bad condition when they arrived at the works, on this account. Defendant was fined £1 and 10s_costs.