BIG LOSS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 57, 30 November 1907, Page 3

BIG LOSS.

A RAILAGE WEAKNESS. CATTLE TRAMPLED TO DEATH. Insufficient provision for the care of stock in transit by rail was apparently responsible for tho loss by Sir. A. Buchanan of his Valuable exhibition Jersey cow Magnct'4 Gleam, valued at over £100. She appears to have been put on the train at Palmerston North with other cattle early in tho morning and unloaded at New Plymouth late at night. Owing to some mishap, tho train had been detained- several hours at lnglewood. From bruises on her neck and body, the cow had evidently been trampled. Mr. Buchanan complains that there is inadequate facility allowed to owners to see that their stock is carried safely, and ho suggested to a Dominion reporter several improvements:— : 1. That for valuable animals a Supply of trucks should be available, specially constructed, with an abundance of shade and air, and conveniences calculated to avoid trampling. 2. That railway porters and guards 'bo' required to closely watch cattle 'during the 'journey to see that none are down. ■3. That owners should be allowed to send stockmen on the train with the stock. '.4; That special stock trains should be run to each big show. ; It' is stated that a provision exists enabling stockmcn to travel on the cattle trains after signing an undertaking releasing the: Department from liability _ in caso of accident ; but that this regulation .is so little known by stationmast-ers that the privilege has; been refused to Mr. Buchanan and others. It would be an advantage to have, any',do\ibt on this point romoved. The pro- ' vision" of special trucks would necessitate an increase in freight, but this would bo "gladly paid by exhibitors for the greater -safety obtained. In regard to the special I stock ;-trains, it is suggested that the loading "should be done on such a plan that the.' .-stock with- tho longest journey isHouM .bo placed nearest the guard's van Ito [escape the shunting. _ Owners of prizo stock/are, apparently willing ■to pay for special'care, and it is hoped the Department .will", do-something, in this important matter without delay.