WHAT IS A “SPRINGER”?

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 March 1930, Page 9

WHAT IS A “SPRINGER”?

MAGISTRATE’S QUESTION. WHANGAREI, March 24. “When is a ‘springer’ a ‘springer’?” —a question of much interest to stockowners —was asked by Mr G. N. Morris S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court to-day. A local stock inspector said he considered that a qow was springing when it was visibly in-calf, anytime between six and ten weeks of coming into profit. This definition was not acceptable to counsel for A. White, who entered a plea of guilty for exposing for sale twenty-four cattle affected by tick. The inspector said that defendant had brought a line of 7S head in from Waiotu, passing Whakapara dip on route. When he arrived at Kamo he put the whole mob into the dipping paddock, but only dipped 54, deliberately dodging his obligations in respect of the others. When approached on the matter in the saleyards, White had said that he would dip them. He took the cattle down the road, but again avoided dipping them. Counsel for White said his client was a very reputable farmer, and was not of the type which dodged responsibility. He purposely had not dipped 24 head on account of their being “springers,” but after being spoken to by the inspector he dipped them. Mr Morris: The regulations provide for a fine of £2O per head. There is ho exemption for “springers.” Counsel: 'Yes, but my client regarded it from the practical farmers’ point of. view.

The Inspector: There was noti a springer among the lot, and I have no record of the subsequent dipping. The case was adjourned to allow White to give evidence.