Bobby Calf Trade

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 303, 18 September 1936, Page 11

Bobby Calf Trade

Sir, —I notice in to-day’s “Dominion” that the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. W. Lee Martin, says there has been a marked improvement this -season in the conduct of the bobby calf trade. I work on a farm, so have first-hand knowledge of the trade, and can honestly say the conditions are the same as other years. Certainly • the Government introduced special regulations making it an offence to offer for sale any calf which had not been properly fed daily from bjrth, but who is supposed to see that the regulations are carried out? I have not seen or heard of any inspector about this district this season, nor have I read about any farmer being prosecuted, although I know of lota who should be. I know that a great many calves are sent away a few hours after they are born, sometimes even before they have had a drink from their mother, whereas according to regulations they are supposed to be four days old. As for the improved methods of collection and transport, 1 have not noticed it. We have the same lorries as other years, with the same drivers and the same overcrowding. They leave town with a lorry that will hold, say 30 calves, and when it is full they don’t take them in to the railway trucks, but go on heaving them in on the backs of the others until 20 or so are lying flat with the others standing on them. It is an inhuman trade as it is, but could be made much better if the regulations were really enforced.—l am, etc., FARM HAND. Pahiatua, September 12.