MEETINGS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9203, 30 April 1920, Page 4

MEETINGS

SHEEPOWNERS' UNION.

(Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, April 29. The general committee of the Canterbury Sheepowners' Union met on. Wednesday, the president (Mr L. A. Rutherford) being in the chair., The Director of the Ashburton Technical College wrote enclosing the annual report, and asking whether it was the intention of-the Union to contrir bute to tlie funds-for the coming year-. It 'was decided to forward the usual donation.

A member wrote asking for the -• Union's suipport in the matter of the alleged alteration of earmarks. The secretary reported having placed the matter in the hands of the Department concerned, • and investigations , were being made. Tt was agreed that the Union do. its utmost to assist members in these matters.

The president reported on the interview with the Superintendent of Police • regarding cases of sheep-stealing, and suggesting that the Department have a man always available for this class of work who would be thoroughly up in -. earmarks, brands, etc. The Union's suggestions had been most sympathetically received, and the projmise of every assistance possible was given. Appreciative reference was made to the . helpful attitude, towards the sheepowners displayed by the Denar'tment. Mr J. Milliken, df Flock Hill, -wrote suggesting amendments to the Stock Act, and that permits :bc issued to- > drovers on the lines of the Stock Act . of Australia. He urged that strong measures be taken to combat the epidemic! of sheep-stealing which appeared' to be prevalent. ,A sub-committee, consisting of the president and Mr- - Fulton, was appointed to go into the matter.

A member wrote stressing the depredations of the kea in the back country. The president said he had hoped to have something definite to put before the meeting on this question, but presumably owing to more weighty matters having to bo dealt with, it had' not yet received attention in Wellington.

Sir James Wilson wrote giving rea*sons for flip postponement of the con!;ero'ice on shipping and other matters. ' The question of the surplus profits on wool was then discussed, and the' resident, Messrs D. G. Wright and G. Fulton were Pinpointed a sub-commit-tee to deal with the matter.