THE S.P.C.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 47, 24 February 1926, Page 10

THE S.P.C.A.

THIRTY TWO YEARS AT WORK A NECESSARY AND USEFUL SOCIETY. The Wellington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has, i»- ' sued its 32nd; annual report, which begins with a little bit of history in the; statement that it is a hundred" yars\ ago since a member of the British .House of Commons brought' ridicule on himself by endeavouring to secure for animals a certain measure of pro- . tection. But, though the ridicule came from all parts of England, he persever- * ed, and the Society for .Protection of Animals was formed. ■>■' :.'•■ , With mention of sincere regret at his " death, it is.stated that the late Bight Hon. W. F. Massey was a member of the society for many years. It is stated that the society's inspector has. carried out his,duties in a. painstaking, enthusiastic,, and excellent manner,-and it is largely Cue to his tact and discretion that the work of the society is looked upon with so much favour by the public. It is also stated that the Govern/on t has shown approval of the won;, and an amendment of an Act provides that the .Jines which are imposed in the Courts for Cruelty revert to the society; the funds were augmented last year in this manner to the extent of £21. The society has taken a keen interest in the arrangements made at the Zoo. at Newtown Park, and as a result of its inquiries as to methods adopted in the housing of animals in otherv places it is hr-">'l ■ that before long the site of the Zoo will . be moved, and the ahiinius bci/ccr u«uied. The dehorning of animals has been considered, and the co-operation of the . Dominion Farmers' Union and the Butchers' Union obtained, with the result that a 'Bill is now, being prepared to make dehorning,compulsory. , Live pigeon shooting and coursing of hares are tiro subject dealt with, and the Hon. G. M. Thomson is congratulated on his rcintroducing his Bill to prevent this cruelty. The second- **Aninals Welfare Week" was a successful ef- ■ fort, and another of the kind will be made this year. Allusion is made to the ..Dominion Conference, .which, took place very successfully in Dunedin, and-to the young people's branches, with the Hugo Essay Competition which was even more than usually successful. ' - Mention is made of the improvement in the financial position of the society, as during the last year a record was obtained in the subscriptions, which •amounted to the sum of £483 10s Id, and the Macarthy Trust is thanked for the helpful donation of £100. A • be- ; quest from the late Miss Hannah Gibbs, of Ngaio, was received, which amount* ed to £40 8s Id. , The sympathy of the Commissioner of Police and his subordinates is mentioned with gratitude 4 and thanks. Thanks are also .given to the Railway Department and the Eastbourne Borought Council for free passes-for the inspector; to the hon. auditor and solicitors; to the Press; and to the sub- ' scribers and others who have assisted to carry out !the work during the ;-ast , successful year. Cases dealt with during the year total 215 in all/and include those in connection with cruelty to dogs, cati, horses, cattle, pigs, and fowls. The fines amounted to £85 4s. The balance-sheet'shows a small but - satisfactory balance. : , The officers of the society include His ' Excellency the Governor-General 'as • patron; president, Mr. F. Meadowcroft; .• vice-presidents, the Mayor of Wellington,' Messrs. M. J. Kilgour and William Watson; committee, Mesdamet . Seville and Christie; Misses ' Burfoot : and A. White; Messrs. J. R. Salt, F. W. Rowley, A. A. Gower, R. V. Carvosso, . L. U. Chaffev, W. Colo, A. Forrest, W. H. Field, M.P. The inspector is Captain J. Henry; organiser, Mrl Crich,ton Smith; secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. M. Anderson; hon, auditor, Mr. C. D. Morpeth. ■ ■