PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 45, 16 November 1907, Page 6

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

— «.:' . ■■ .v ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WELLINGTON SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Wellington Society for the Prevention, of .Cruelty to Animals was held in the Chamber, of Commerce yesterday afternoon. '"'■ '" ' There was a good attendance of memberst Tho' President (Mr. J. Ilott) read apologies for unavoidable absonce.from tho Minister for Education (Hon. Geo. Fowlds) and Mr. J, G. W. Aitkcn, M.H.R. Several other members of the Houso had previously indicated their intention of being present, but pressure of legislative duties had 'prevented v them from attending the meeting. The annual report and balance sheet for tho year, ending September 30, 1907, which has already been published, was read by the President. . ' Speaking to the motion for the adoption of the report, tho President said that', after ' all, the only true way to induce all classes to become humane was by means of educational influence.. More legislation, imperatively necessary as it undoubtedly was, could only act as a deterrent, but could not get at tho root of the evil and influence the conscience. He wished to tako this opportunity of thanking the Inspector and SubInspector 'of .Police for the valuable assistance rendered to.the society. Mr. W. Watson seconded the report, and referred to measures at present before the House. Ho quoted from. Hansard to' show that the sympathies of the Upper Houso, and also, lie Jolt sure, tliu House of Representatives, were witli tlionn The Animals Protection Bill should have the effect of putting a stop to such cruel pastimes as codrsing and pigeon shooting. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—President, i.lr. J. ilott (re-elected); vice-presidents, Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G.: the Mayor-of Wellington (Mr. T. W. Hislop), Messrs. J. G. \\\ Aitkcn, M.M.R., J. S. Jameson, and W. Watson; committee, Mesdamos H. P. Rawson, C. Christie, A. E. Kornot, ■ Adams, R. M Simpson, Miss E. Bcere, Rev. J. Reed Glasson, Rev. J. Dawson,. Messrs. F. Seed, J. M. Richardson, and G. Brown; lion, solicitors, Messrs. A. R. Atkinson, E. L. Burgess, R, B. Williams, A. L. Herdman, T. Young, W. ■ i . Beard (Masterton), and R. AY. Tate (Greytown North); hoil. .veterinary surgeon, Mr. J. A. Gilruth; hon. auditor, Mr. C. D. Morpeth; a sub-committee, consisting of the President, Messrs. J. S. Jameson, W. Watson, and the Rev. J. Reed Glasson, was appointed to deal with the anpointment of a paid secretary and treasurer.