PALMERSTON NORTH BRANCH OF S.P.C.A.

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6918, 25 May 1929, Page 8

PALMERSTON NORTH BRANCH OF S.P.C.A.

ANNUAL MEETING.

AMALGAMATION of branches

IN WELLINGTON PROVINCE,

.Mr. R. S. Abraham presided over the third annual meeting of the Palmerston North branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, v.hich was held last evening.

Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor (Mr. A. J. Graham), Messrs M. H. Oram and R. 11. Meade.

The annual report, as already published, w-as adopted. In moving its adoption, the chairman stated that the number of cases dealt with during the year had not been heavy—indeed, it was questionable whether they were sufficient to warrant the functioning of the society. In this connection, it must be remembered that tho state of the finances made it difficult to give due attention to country districts, it appoumi to him that there had been a noticeable improvement in the general treatment of animals and probably most of the cases requiring attention were duo more to neglect than to deliberate cruelty. Amalgamation With Wellington.

Mr. Abraham suggested that an arrangement could be made by which co operation with Wellington woild make availablo the services of an inspector. This would avoid each individual society being put to the expense of maintaining its own inspector. Mr. J. G. Radford concurred in the chairman’s view that the society could not maintain a full time inspector and suggested that tho burden would have been eased had Feilding participated in the arrangements. The secretary (Mr. R. A. Fuller) estimated that the society could func tion on £75 a year, if the services of an inspector were retained at a nominal fee. Some cases would never receive attention, but for tho existence of the society, which acted in a preventive manner and not with the object of securing as many convictions as possible. Mr. Abraham expressed the opinion that tho Palmerston North organisa tion should be controlled from Wellington.

The lack of enthusiasm in supporting the society’s activities was deplored by Mr. W. M. Tapp, who expressed the opinion that it. would be futile to con tinue as a body in Palmerston North. The chairman expressed tho opinion that it would be a pity to drop the organisation altogether if it could be maintained on a moderate basis. However, the executive could consider tin matter and perhaps a deputation could be sent to Wellington to discuss amalgamation with the central body. Mr. Abraham then proposed that it be a recommendation to the executive to consider the advisability of combining all tho* associations in tho Wellington province to improve the organisation.

The motion was carried. Election of Officers,

The election of officers resulted: — President, the Mayor (Mr. A. J. Gra ham); vice-presidents, Messrs L. H. Collinson, J. Linklatcr, AI.P., E. K. Mander, F. <T. Nathan, It. S. Abraham and M. H. Oram: chairman of executive. Mr. II B. executive, Mrs. A. Morgan, Misses E. A. Abraham, A. M. Hewitt, Messrs It. S. Abraham, J. G. Radford, 0. F. Spooner and the officers ex-officio; representative on Wellington board, Mr. It. S. Abraham; lion, secretary, Mr. R. A. Fuller; hon. treasurer, Mr. W. M. Tapp; hon veterinary surgeon, Air. It. 11. Aleade; lion, solicitors, Messrs M. H, Oram and G. I. AlcGregor; hon. auditor, Air. Mm. Hunter; inspector, Air. W. J. T. Floyd.