SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2702, 5 December 1882, Page 3

SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

The ordinary meeting of the committee of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held at 4.15 p.m. yesterday. Present—Messrs M. Murphy, S. Edwards, W. H. Love, J. P. Jameson, J. Anderson, Espenette, T. W. Jones, Shaw, E. Jones, T. S. Weston, Father Ginaty and Eev. T. Flavell, and his Worship the Mayor. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. The Secretary read a letter from his Honor Mr Justice Johnston declining the office of vice-president, on the ground that I it was incompatible with his position as a i judge, who might have the question of j legality of action of the Society or otherwise before him. The objects of the Society, however, had his warmest sympathy. The report of the inspector for the month of November was read. He drew attention to the fact that cows were being i brought into the saleyards with overstocked udders, which it was necessary should be strongly discouraged. There had been twenty-six warnings given during the month, and, generally, the work of the Society was doing good. The resignation of Mr G. A. Ileade as treasurer was received, he leaving Canterbury. Eev. T. Flavell moved —“That the resignation of Mr Eoade be received with regret, and that the best thanks of the committee be tendered to him for his past services.” . Mr Jamieson seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved —“ That the secretary (Mr Shaw) act as treasurer pro tan.” A letter was read from the Secretary of the Eoyal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, stating that they would send as many copies of their publications gratis as they might require. The writer stated that none of the. inventions tending to the amelioration of the sufferings of animals wore of any use. It was decided to have the annual <reneral meeting of the society on December 14th, at 7.30 p.m., at the old Provincial Council Chamber. The Secretary reported as to what had been done with regard to the providing of a place for the destroying of horses which had become unfit for work. It was resolved that the arrangement entered into by the secretary be approved. The secretary was also instructed to have notices printed for distribution amongst the owners of horses, informing them that the society had made arrangements for the destroyal of animals condemned as unfit for further work. In cases of absolute necessity the secretary was instructed to see whether arrangements could be made for destroyal of animals in the city without the necessity of sending the animal any distance. The Secretary reported that Messrs Hammersley, at Timaru ; A. H. Cunningham, at Kangiora; and A. Cunningham, Springfield, had consented to act as honorary agents of the society for their districts. On the motion of the Eev. T. Flavell, it was resolved that the name of Mrs J. T. Matson be added to the ladies’ committee.

The Secretary read extracts from the reports of the inspector -with regard to cows being brought into sale yards with overstocked udders, thus causing great pain to the animals. He thought something ought to be done in this matter. Mr M. Murphy asked how it was that a case of gross cruelty by a milkman in Armagh street had not been brought forward at the Court. The Secretary stated that the matter was in the hands of the police. The Mayor said that the case had been reported to him, and had been sent on to the inspector of the society. Mr Murphy pointed out that the condition of the horse now was quite different to what it was when he saw it. It was, therefore, necessary that prosecution should bo taken at once. Eev. T. Flavell said that he had had

occasion recently to caution a baker who was driving a horse with sore shoulders. Mr Weston said that he desired to say that if on any occasion he could be of assistance to the society in taking cases into Court, he would be very willing to do so. It was resolved in respect to cows with overstocked udders, that the inspector be requested to caution owners of cattle in this state. The quorum of the committee was reduced from nine to seven. The secretary brought under the notice of the committee the method of shipping cattle into steamers. Mr Weston moved —“ That the secretary be instructed to communicate with the shipping companies on the subject.” Mr T. Edwards thought it would be better if the secretary wait on the shipping companies and interview them. Mr Weston said that was his idea. The resolution was put and carried.