RAILAGE OF LIVE STOCK

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 42, 18 February 1918, Page 3

RAILAGE OF LIVE STOCK

DEPUTATION OF AUCTIONEERS.

A deputation from the Manawatu Live Stock Auctioneers' Association recently waited on the General Manager of Railways (Mr. Hiley) in reference to the shortage of trucks available for the upcountry district's. It was- pointed out that the inability of the Department to meet the .requirements of the Bheepfarmers was causing serious less and inconvenience to breeders,and to those who wished to feed off their crop of rape and turnips before they were attacked by blight. The trouble, it was stated, was particularly serious in regard to lambs, which are liable to bo seriously depreciated by long drives at this time of the year, even if the necessary drovers are available. .".....'

Mr. Hiley, in reply, pointed out that the slack trade until two weeks ago had been responsible for a. shortage of about 500,000 sheep carried by the railways a 6 compared with last year, and the consequent pressure on the Department has lately been particularly severe, whilst ram fairs, agricultural shows, and freezing works requirements had a-leo been exceptionally heavy. The question of organisation was gone into, and the depntjtion admitted that the Department kepfitself well informed as to the requirements of the various districts, and was fully alive to the' necessities of the position.

A suggestion that "L' 1 trucks could be used at a pinch was considered, but it was pointed out that they would be unsuitable in hot weather, and would be liable to cause heavy loss by smothering. The deputation was unanimous as to the anxiety shown by the wagon controllers and station masters to endeavour to cope with the difficulty.'