WANDERING STOCK ON ROADS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22305, 20 January 1938, Page 10

WANDERING STOCK ON ROADS

COMMENT BY COUNTY TRAFFIC INSPECTOR

The danger to traffic from cows and horses wandering on the roads at night was commented on by the traffic inspector for the Waimairi County Council, Mr G. E. Stokes, in his report presented to the monthly meeting of the council last night.

“I wish to draw the attention of the council to the growing tendency of residents to allow their horses and cows to graze on the roads, particularly at night,” said Mr Stokes. “I have investigated complaints from motorists who have narrowly avoided colliding with the animals and find it difficult to identify the animals und prove ownership at night. In discussing the matter with local constables, I find they are up against the same difficulty. In my opinion the animals are being deliberately turned out to graze at night and driven home early in the morning, particularly in the Marshland. Styx, Brooklands, Burwood, and Upper Fendalton areas. It seems to be impossible to stop the practice without some means of driving and impounding the animals and forcing the owners to claim them.”

A motion that the council employ a ranger and open the pound was rejected, and it was decided to send a copy of the inspector's report to the Inspector of Police