PUBLIC AGAINST S.P.C.A.

Evening Star, Issue 26041, 4 March 1947, Page 5

PUBLIC AGAINST S.P.C.A.

LIVELY EXCHANGES AT MEETING METHODS OF TREATMENT CHALLENGED (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Alarch 3. “ That this public meeting of citizens of Christchurch respectfully requests the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Parry, to hold a public inquiry into the administration of the finances of the Canterbury Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and also the methods of treatment of sick and wounded animals at the S.P.C.A. clinic and the charges made.” This resolution was carried with few dissentients at a meeting of about 150 persons this evening. The meeting was convened as •“ The Public versus the 5.P.C.A.,” and there were many allegations of unskilful treatment and of inability to obtain assistance from the * society in the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays. One or two of those present supported the society’s officers, and there were some lively interludes, with three or four persons on their feet at once, and a police sergeant ' assisting the chairman, Air D. M. Abell, to restore order. One of those who expressed appreciation of the work of the society, Airs A. Al. Spence Clark, was counted out by the meeting, and retaliated by counting the meeting out. _ * A kitten, which was said to have been paralysed in the hind leg§, and a whippet with one front leg in a splint, were displayed during the meeting. The meeting followed protracted Press correspondence.