PROTECTION OF ANIMALS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25275, 29 August 1947, Page 8

PROTECTION OF ANIMALS

LIVELY MEETING OF SOCIETY NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION NOT TAKEN Exchanges between the president and members, conducted against a steady cross-fire of interjections. I marked a meeting last evening of the [ Animal Protection Society, and the meeting was closed by the president, , Nir R. D. Martin, while several per- ■ sons were attempting to speak to a i motion of no-confidence in the presi- ; dent and committee. About 25 persons were present, and although at times the voices were lost in an uproar, the services of a police constable stationed in the room were called upon only once. Mr Martin said the meeting was called to consider the decision of the Christchurch City Council to close the animals.' home in Graham street. Members might rest assured, he said, that the work of the society would continue. The protests against the uncieanliness of the home were as exaggerated as the complaints made by nearby residents about the barking of the dogs. “If everything had been done which should have been done, we would not have finished up in such a mess,” said Mr D. Abel. “I have heard complaints about the home, about the sea of mud, and the dogs being kept on very short leads. I have also heard of several offers to have gravelling done, and they have been turned down by the, committee. I fail to see why a society: so much in need of dash should turn down these offers.”

Mr Martin said that the home was not closed. A chorus of interjectors said that they had seen the notice closing the home, and Mrs E. Hillgrove said it had been closed through the neglect of the committee. Mr Martin then read a letter from the City Council, informing the society that the home would have to be removed to another locality as soon as possible, and that the new home, if it was in the city area, would have to be approved. Mrs Hillgrove then read a similar letter. “We have no reason to be dismayed or concerned. The society will continue to function . . Mr Martin said. Mrs Hillgrove: Without an exercise yard? Mr Martin said he had in mind a suitable site at a good price. Mrs L. Woodham: Do you think the council will allow us to buy and build when there are so many people homeless? Do you suggest we can put other people in that tumble-down house while we move the dogs to a brand new house? “We will find a way,” said Mr Martin. Mr E. Hillgrove asked why something had not been done before. The society had had the money. “We didn’t,” said Mr Martin. “I must have the respect of this meeting. I’m not going to stand any nonsense.” “New Members Not Wanted” Mr Campbell said that new members had sent in subscriptions three weeks ago, and had heard nothing. A voice: Mr Martin does not want new members. Mr Martin: There is a meeting next Thursday night They will be dealt with then. Mr Martup then moved that the question of securing a new and more modern home be referred to the committee, which would co-operate with the town planning committee and the by-laws committee of the City Council, and report back to the society. “The council collects thousands of pounds in dog registrations, and I believe it will be a council home run by council money, which is a good idea, and should have been done long ago," Mr Abel said. “There was no mention at the council meeting of the home being anything to do with the society.” Mr Martin made an unsuccessful attempt to speak, but had barely begun before there were cries of “Let him finish.” Continuing. Mr Abel said that cooperation in the matter of a petition to:

i the City Council had been refused. The committee had taken the whole responi sibility, and the closing of the home rested on its shoulders. A woman who ' had been elected to the committee 12 months earlier had not received any i notices of committee meetings. The rules said that six constituted a quorum, but the president had said himself that three persons had decided the fate of the home. Mr Martin: There is an emergency I committee on any association. Mr Martin then asked the police constable to remove an interjector. Shortly afterwards two members left the meeting, and they were followed at intervals by three or four others. The treasurer. Miss G. McDowall, said that.when the finances of the society had been in a parlous state, it had been decided to save money by not sending notices to some members, as the meeting was held on the same night each month. It was only an economy measure. Mr Abel: How is it that this lady received no notices in 12 months, and that the treasurer did not even know her name? Miss McDowall: A clerical error, I should say, in that her name was missed from the minutes. Mr Martin put his motion, which was lost by nine or 10 votes to pight Mr Campbell then moved a vote of no confidence in the committee and president. ‘•This is a special meeting, and motions of that kind cannot be put.” Mr Martin said. “The annual meeting is in October, and if you want new officers you’ll have the chance.” Mr Abel: You have been very good lately at not taking motions, and at closing meetings. , While two speakers were on their feet, a third voice suggested that the meeting be closed. Mr Martin: You should know some J thing of procedure. Mr Abel: Mr chairman .... Mr Martin: This meeting is closed. There was a lively scene when Mr Martin attempted to open a meeting of the committee, a number of members of the society trying to have subscriptions for. new members accepted, evidently without success.