SHEEP STEALING

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26123, 27 May 1950, Page 2

SHEEP STEALING

ALLEGATIONS TO BE INVESTIGATED

FEDERATED FARMERS’ DECISION From Our Own Reporter

OAMARU, May 25. The allegations of sheep stealing in North Otago are to be the subject of an investigation by the meat and wool section of Federated Farmers, which will meet on Tuesday next to hear the evidence of runholders who were stated recently to have suffered losses running into thousands of sheep. If these allegations are supported by sufficient evidence, further action will be taken at the Dominion conference of the meat and wool section of Federated Farmers.

This decision was made at a meeting of the North Otago executive of Federated Farmers this morning. The question arose as a result of newspaper reports which refuted allegations of sheep stealing on the scale stated by Mr J. C. H. Chapman, of Kurow, at a meeting of Federated Farmers last week.

Mr ‘R. Smith said the statements made by Mr Chapman at a meeting of the meat and wool section last week revealed an alarming state of affairs; and it was the wish of those at. the meeting that something should be done about the losses. The question had been referred back to the Kurow branch for a remit, and although one had been prepared, it was not in order because it had not been before a meeting of the branch.

Mr J. Kingan suggested that the matter should be referred to a special meeting of the meat and wool section.

“We must be absolutely sure of our facts before we take this matter further,” he added. “Sheep stealing is very serious, and although two of our members say they have lost sheep, we must have the strongest possible evidence.” Mr Kingan then moved that .the meat and wool section should make a further investigation and have full power to act. The chairman (Mr A. McMillan) said he considered that runholders were hesitant to disclose information oublicly. All evidence should be collected confidentially and then carefully considered before any further action was taken. Mr Kingan’s motion was seconded by Mr A. M. Malcolm, who pointed out that some of those present had not heard the statements made by Mr Chapman at the meeting of the meat and wool section. Mr J. Whalan, of the Te Aka station, who said he had lost about 800 sheep this year, said he would like a discussion at that meeting, as one member, in regard to sheep stealing, had made the statement that "it just couldn’t happen.” Mr Kingan: I never heard that statement made. It was not made at this meeting. It must have been made in the course of a private conversation. Mr Whalan: It was made at the previous meeting this morning. I would like to test that statement, as it may influence other members. Mr Whalan said that reports in newspapers had discredited statements made last week by Mr Chapman. It was most unfair, particularly as the: newspaper reports were not clear enough. All Facts Needed Mr McMillan said the question would have to be handled with great care and all the facts would have to be obtained. When that had been done he was' hopeful that the evidence would refute the statements in the newspapers. “When we have both barrels loaded we can give them both at once,” said Mr McMillan, “but we must first strengthen our case. Then I’ll be prepared to go the whole distance with you. • At present, however, we must be awfully careful.”

Mr W. Doig said the first he had heard of any sheep stealing in North Otago was at the meeting last week at which Mr Chapman made his statement. “I am making further inquiries.” he added. Mr Whalan said the question was too big for the meat and wool section to handle. Federated Farmers as a whole should hear the story. “This business has got into the press because somebody has gone off at half cock,” he said.

Mr H. E. Ewing said that if Ihe meat and wool section handled the matter other members might not get the information. “I suffer myself and 1 would like to know what is being done,” he added. ■

Mr W. Beckingsale said that if any member of another section had evidence to bring forward he would be heard.

All the available evidence would be heard, said Mr McMillan. The question was most serious, and he did not want anything to happen that the organisation would regret. There was no question of hiding anything from the executive.