BOBBY CALF TRADE

Southland Times, Issue 22993, 12 September 1936, Page 8

BOBBY CALF TRADE

IMPROVED POSITION RECORDED (United Press Association.) Wellington, September 11. There has been a marked improvement this season in the conduct of the bobby calf trade, said the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. W. Lee Martin), in an interview to-day. The quality of calves coming forward was an indication of the improvements that had been effected. The principal factors in bringing about the improved position were the special regulations introduced by the Government making it an offence to sell or offer for sale any calf not properly and sufficiently fed daily from birth and requiring that all calves must be fed not earlier than four hours before the time of their removal from the owners’ premises. Other factors were the improved methods of collection and transport. “I fully appreciate that there have been some complaints concerning the use of iron trucks, known as L wagons, for the transport of bobby calves,” Mr Lee Martin said. “However, these trucks are not in general use and the railway authorities are alive to the necessity of providing the best transport available. It has been stated that hundreds of calves have arrived at the works dead or dying. This is not the case and it is most unfortunate that such unfounded statements should be made and repeated. Statistics show that the percentage of calves found dead on arrival at the works during the present season has been exceedingly small. However, the whole position is being closely watched and the Government will not hesitate to effect any further improvements that may be suggested by this season’s experiences.”