THEFT OF LIVE STOCK

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 284, 28 August 1935, Page 9

THEFT OF LIVE STOCK

Severer Penalties Urged

MEETING OF SHEEPOWNERS

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Sheepowners’ and Farmers' Federation was held in Wellington yesterday, the president. Mr. H. D. Aciand, Christchurch, presiding. The election of officers resulted in the unanimous return of Mr. Aelnud to the position of president. Mr. J. S. Jeosep, Hawke’s Bay, was re-electod vice-president, nnd Mr. E. Hay, Pigeon Bay, was re-elected honorary treasurer. Mr. A. A. MeKellar was reappointed auditor. The secretary, Mr. W. H. Nicholson, reported that he had received advice that the suggested 10 per cent. Import duty on skin wools imiiorted into England from France and other European countries bad not received the support of the tariff committee of the British Board of Trade. Gratification was expressed by members, who stated that if the duty had been imposed, it would have been reflected in a correspondingly lower price level for New Zealand skins bought for export, a heavv proportion of which were purchased by Continental buyers. Reference was made to the question of carting lire stock at night, following the hearing of a recent case of alleged sheep-stealing at Napier, and the remarks of Mr. Justice Reed with respect to the need for more adequate control of night carting Mr. Nicholson reported that tlie Stock Act was amended in October, 1930, to provide for the issue of permits to lorry owners and other forms of conveyance. After full discussion it was unanimously resolved: “That tills conference make representations to the Minister of Justice, requesting that the penalties imposed for stock and wool stealing be increased."

Several speakers gave instances of the ease with which this class of theft could be carried out. and it was agreed that every effor* shoxlJ bo made ( to provide a deterrent. The following remits were carried "That the Meat Export Control Board be requested to arrange tor a research institute to be financed ami controlled by the meat industry through the Meat Board.' 1 "That the Meat Board be requested to set up a super grade of frozen beef for export”