BETTER PROTECTION TO BUSHFALLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11149, 23 August 1899, Page 7

BETTER PROTECTION TO BUSHFALLERS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.— was pleased to notice in a late issue Mr. Freyborg's letter on this most important subject. I may confidently say that I am in favour of bis suggestions, as are doubtless many moro of your readers. I think the time has surely arrived when there should be something more substantial done to relievo the poor unfortunates whose lot it is to bo injured in the bush. I think there should bo inspectors stationed in central places, where largo contracts are being carried on in the bush, and to make frequent and unexpected visits, and not to show moro familiarity towards one individual than to another, but to strictly condemn any gear out of order, and to inflict a severe fine. If this were done, perhaps we would not read of so many sad accidents in the papers. No doubt a number of accidents happen through want of judgment, and the indiscriminate way people go about it, but in tho majority of cases' they are quite accidental. I think that any contractor with men under bis care should bo provided with a couple of light substantial stretchers, and a supply _of liniments, as well as sedatives and lotions, in case of emergency, and to have them of first quality and at a reasonable price, so that tho men could purchase them. They should also provide splints, and, in fact, everything that will alleviate pain in suffering humanity It is to be earnestly hoped that tho Government will not pass the proposals of Mr. ireyberg, the Government timber expert, unbooked, but vigorously enforce them. But I suppose it will end in vapour. I wouid strongly urge all bushmen to try and unite with a strong band for their own comfort. I cannot comprehend how it is that some such scheme as Mr. Freyberg proposes has not been brought into vogue long ago. Boforo concluding, I would like to pass a few remarks on the barbarous treatment inflicted on the bullocks when engaged hauling logs. I think the inspector should use the utmost efforts to put a stop to all this unnecessary whipping, and not inflict any excruciating and unnecessary pain, for surely the dumb animals should receive a little consideration. In cases of cruelty I would propose a substantial fine on the offenders, or a term of imprisonment.—l am, etc., X.Y.Z. Horseshoe Bush, Wade, August 21, 1899.