NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1932. WHANGAREI S.P.C.A.

Northern Advocate, 31 October 1932, Page 4

NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1932. WHANGAREI S.P.C.A.

Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper,

■The Whangarei branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is to hold its a initial meeting- this evening, which makes appropriate a refi erenco to the fact that ’though the society has not been prominently in the public eye 'during the past year, it has nevertheless done useful work which has justified its existence. As the name of ‘the society implies, its purpose is to prevent cruelty rather than to secure the punishment of those found guilty of such a crime. As a consequence, the absence of prosecutions is often a tribute to a branch of the society. because it indicates that inspectors have taken steps to prevent practices which, if continued, would inflict cruelty upon dumb creatures; The local branch of the S.P.C.A. lias instituted successful prosecutions during the year, hut the honorary inspectors, who now number five, have been very assiduous in the discharge of their duties, and have, as a consequence, prevented cruelly in a number of instances.! We hope that the public will show its sympathy Avith the local society by attending the annual meeting, thus supporting the efforts of the officers. The motiA r es of the society arc Avith out doubt such as 1 commend themselves to the vast majority of people avlio give the matter a thought. Most people are fond of animals ip a greater or less degree, and that amiable trait of character may engender among humans a sympathy which no other chord can, touch. Not flattering, as a Avriter recently said, is the general estimate of the man avlio is knoAvn to detest animals and to ho capable of Avanton cruelty towards them. Few men haA r e the hardihood to confess' such a feeling toAvards the creatures that surround and are largely dependent upon ns. That such indiA’idnals exist in the community is unfortunately revealed in their acts, lienee the necessity for organised effort for the prevention and punishment, of deeds that outrage humanity. In respect of the treatment of animals and all Ihe harmless creatures that are so much a part of the Avorld in Avhieh wo live—whether indispensable to human purpose and well-being, or adding beauty and colour to existence, or lending a companionship and interest that are charming to contemplate—a section of the human race tml.y needs educating. In a recent broadcast address the president of the Otago Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals emphasised the point that British legislation is much more comprehensive and progressive than onr own in the matter of proA’iding protection for animals. It is difficult to understand Avhy .it should he so, and there can he no good reason Avhy a comparison should remain unfavourable to this Dominion. Perhaps the explanation lies in the conclusion, toAvards Avhieh the A'isitor lo the Old Country Avill find his observations impelling him, that I here exists among the people there a Avider, more time-hon-oured sympathy Avith dumb creatures than obtains in this ncAver, and, in some respects, more ruthless land. In the A'cry, heart of London feather creation

is everywhere is evidence and shows no fear. Nature may ho rod in tootli and chaw, bill the part .of man as a reasoning being should he to show kindness to animals wherever he e<,n, and to spare them unnecessary suffering at all limes. Therefore support of the local branch of the S.P.C.A. should he considered a privilege by the people of AVhangarei and distinct.