Wool Stealing Becoming Alarming

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7486, 9 June 1934, Page 3

Wool Stealing Becoming Alarming

FARMERS SEEK MORE POLICE PROTECTION. “There lias been a considerable amount of wool stolen in this and surrounding districts during tlic past few years,’ said Mr. J. B. Bradley at yesterday’s meeting of the Feilding Branch of the Farmers’ Union. The quantity was quite considerable, and as far as ho could ascertain it had been disposed of to those dealing in wool. He had lost three bales, and there appeared no way of tracing the sale of the stolen wool except by having legislation introduced to compel wool-dealers to keep records of purchases, as was required of second-hand dealers. The speaker said that he had endeavoured to trace his wool, but without result, and in his inquiries found that it was hopeless to expect any assistance from the records of wool-dealers. Ho did not think the existing police protection was adequate. His idea was that there should be introduced a system of police patrols over country roads, linked up with a scheme for tho co-operation of the farmers. Not only was wool stolen but sheep, saddlery and other farm equipment, and to-day the farmers felt that they were very insecure against night prowlers. He was not criticising the police, but felt, that there was need for a moro intensive system of police supervision over country districts. He moved that tho union ask for legislation compelling wool-dealers to keep adequate records of all wool purchases. Mr. W. G. Booth agreed and stated that he had suffered like Mr. Bradley. There was a sense of insecurity among fanners, and it appeared desirable that there should be introduced some system of patrolling of .county roads to up on strangers roaming the roads. Mr. F. E. Tappin suggested that tho proposal of Mr. Bradley would not overcome a farmer who might decide to steal the wool of his neighbour. Mr. Bradley said that there was something in what Mr. Tappin said. What was going on was really more alarming than was understood. Mr. B. McLeod said that the trouble was very extensive in the Colyton district. A great deal of wool had been stolen and the thieves wero active in visiting farmers’ garages to steal benzine. Tho resolution was carried and it was decided to solicit the support of the Feilding Chamber of Commerce and tho Feilding A. and P. Association.