ANIMAL WELFARE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19384, 20 July 1926, Page 14

ANIMAL WELFARE.

NEW SOCIETY FORMED. DIVISION OF FUNDS, AN EQUITABLE ARRANGEMENT. After having worked together for almost, thirty years the two branches of' 'the society for the Protection of Women' and Children and Prevention 'of' Cruelty to Animals were formally separated at a special general meeting held last evening in St. Paul's Parish Hall. For several years it has been felt that the growth of work in both branches necessitated the formation of a new society, and the de cision arrived at last evening was the outcome of a series of conferences of a special committee appointed at the annual meeting of the parent society in April. The matter of the separation has been one of keen interest to all members of the society, and thera was a large attendance at the meeting. The Hon. George Fowlds, who prosided, gave a summary of the work done since the annual meeting which had been finalised in a series of resolutions which would be put before the meeting. The speaker emphasised tho point that the work of both branches had greatly in- I creased in recent years and each was worthy of the fullest measure of public rapport. Growing Needs of Branches. The Rev. P. S. Smallfield said that al] tho other large cities of New Zealand were supporting two separate societies and Auckland should surely be able to do the same. The parent society had taken up animal welfare work at a time when the original S.P.GA. was languishing for lack of public support, and had maintained it ever since. Since then Auckland had become a Isrge city, with increased needs in both branches of work, and it was inevitable that there should be separation in order to allow of further expansion. A series of resolutions was then put to the meeting regarding the formal separation of the two branches of the society, the allocation of funds, tho amendment of the title of tho parent society, and necessary alterations to its rules. The only point on which there was any discussion concerned the division of funds. Tho chairman stated that there had been some difference of opinion on this point, but it had finally been agreed that a "fiftyfifty" basis was the most equitable. Most of the donations to the' funds of the parent society had been made, unconditionally, while in the case of two legacies, it had been distinctly specified that the two branches were to share equally. Apart from these two" legacies' there was not a very large sum to divide. Defeat 01, Amendment. Mr. J. Brook moved as an amendment that instead of handing over half its funds, the parent society should only give one quarter t-o the new organisation. The speaker expressed the opinion that money was given to the women and children's branch rather than to the animals' 'branch, and the fact that the original society had become moribund when there was much greater need for its activities than in tho present day proved that interest in animal, welfare was not so keen as in the protection of women and children. This statement was questioned by several speakers, and a supporter of animal welfare promptly moved a further amendment that 75 per cent, of tho funds be paid over to the . now society. In putting the first amendment, the chairman said the sum apart from the legacies was so small that it was a pity there should be any friction about it. The feeling of tho meeting was overwhelmingly in favour of the opinion expressed by the 1 chairman, and the only voice in favour of the amendment was that of the- mover. Increased Efficiency. : 1,1 ' In declaring the resolutions carried, Mr. FowMs, speaking as one of tha, original members of the S.P.C.A., wished the new society better success than the old one. " I am very glad, indeed, that you have agreed so unanimously io the fifty-fifty division of funds," lie added, "and I hope there will be a new era of increased efficiency for both branches of the work as a result of tho formation of a new society. Each will be doing a most, valuable service in its respective sphere, and I trust the new S.P.C.A. will secure both a full measure of public support and the services of those who will carry on the work zealously and efficiently." Mr. Smallfield extended to the new society the good wishes, of the committee of the parent society, 'the Rev., Jasper Calder also adding a word of congratulation. He specially thanked Mr. Fowlds for the patience and tact he had exercised in handling the business involved, and in bringing matters to such an amicable and equitable settlement.