THE CATTLE BOARD.

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 109, 11 May 1881, Page 2

THE CATTLE BOARD.

The second meeting of tho Wellington Cattle Board was held this afternoon, whoa the only business considered was the rolease from quarantine of two muoh-enduring pigs. The members present were Messrs. Bunny (chairman), Taylor, Riddiford, and Mannsell (clerk). These pigs have a history brief but touohing. They were imported into the colony by Mr. Canning, of Hawke's Bay, and arrived by the Hurunui on the 14th January last. Mr. Richardson, a Governmont Inspector, reported that they were in perfeob health, but as the shippers had omitted to send a certificate that they (the pigs, not the shippers) were free from all disease whon shipped, the unfortunate animals could not be permitted to land. They were transferred to the hulk Woodlark, where they have remained for four months. Application was made to-day for their release, and it was suggested that Mr. Maokay, who iB a duly qualified veterinary surgeon, should go out and inspect the animals and report to the Board, in order that the pigs might be landed. Mr. Maunsell said Mr. Mackay had no power. An inspector had previously seen them, and ordered them to remain. Mr. Bunny— Then I shall order him to go on board. Mr. Maunsell — They are in charge of the Customs now. Mr. Bunny — I am not going to be the tool of the Government in this matter, and if the Governmont try to chut up our mouths, I shall resign. I Bet aside the previous action of the Government, and Mr. Richardson, and look upon this case as a new one just brought before tho Board. It was then resolved that Mr. Maokay should be requested to examine the pigs, and forward a certificate to the Board. On the buggAstion of the chairman, Mr. Taylor moved, "That the opinion of Messrs. Buckley, Stafford, and Fitzhorbert be taken as to the interpretation to be put upon clause 12 of the Aot." The chairman pointed out that it was necossary to get an opinion on the olaueo, as it was desirable to offer every facility for the importation of stock. As the Board had no funds the Government would have to pay for the advice. Mr. Maunsell said the Government had no funds for that. The Chairman said that was the answer to everything now-a-daya. The Government had nothing but a wretched system of redtapism. He would take upon himself to got an opinion, and send in the account to the Government ; if tho Government would not ' pay, then ho would move, in the House, that the sum be Bet down on the Estimates. The motion was carried, and the Board adjourned till 1 p.m. to-morrow, to get tho report of the veterinary surgeon upon the pigs, ______