THE S.P.C.A.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14761, 3 September 1913, Page 7

THE S.P.C.A.

[ ♦ : "MEETING OF COMMITTEE. #* . , , , A meeting of the Committee of 'he Ohristchurch Branch of the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held Last mght. Present:—Messrs H. B. Bridge, J). B. McLaren, J. W. Watson J. J. Lord J. W. Trustum, J. &PiUer, Mesdames Jβ. Cross, Ensom, A. Jfi. Turner, and Macfarlane. The Chairman reported on the deputation that waited upon the By-laws Committee of the Council regarding thoi Animals' Home. He tnought that the ' deputation had fully convinced tiio. committee that the Home was not a menace to the public health, and only complaint would be on the score of noise. Under the management of xUr A A Johnston he thought that eron . the noise would be abated. . Since then there had been another petition sent m to the Council, protesting against the Homo on the score or being detrimental to the public health, but he thought that would strengthen the Society's position, if anything. As the By-laws Committee was still considering the question or the petition, he would not say anything more about this matter. A large quantity of routine correspondence was dealt with, including the following:—From Mrs J. McKay, who wrote expressing indignation at the news that the Minister of Marine had granted sealing rights in. the southern islands of the Dominion.—lt was decided to make enquiries into the matter before taking any steps.. The Chatham Island Fishing Company acknowledged receipt of letter regarding cattle damaged on the voyage to Lyttelton, and stated that for the sole purpose of giving cattle bedding, at least 30 tons of coal was left es flooring space on board the Himitangi each trip. The beasts were watered and fed twice daily, and stout timber and cross-bars were used for separatfng each beast. Everything- was done to land the beasts as they came on board. Rough weatßer conditions were responsible for the beasts not feeding, and in some cases being landed in a weak state. It was decided to thank Mr A. A. Johnston for his action in looking after several alleged cases of cruelty on behalf of the Society. The Chairman referred to the libel action brought by Mr A. A. oohnston against the "Lyttelton Times" Company, which he very much regretted, as both the Christchurch papers had done a good deal to further the work of the Society. • Replying to the chairman, Mr Trustnm said that so far the Animals' Home account did not show a credit balance under the new management. It was decided that the annual meeting should be held on September 30th. It was decided to advertise for the position of inspector. Mr Watson was deputed to act in conjunction with the secretary to put and keep the books of the Home in order. Mr Spiller commended the suggestion of a member of the East Coast S.P.O.A. that members of the executive should be provided with official badges to show their authority. • He moved, and it wag carried, that steps be taken to enquire as to the cost of suitable badges.