Railage of Live Stock.

Taihape Daily Times, 18 February 1918, Page 5

Railage of Live Stock.

A deputation from the Manawatu Live Stock Auctioneers' Association waited on the General Manager of Railways in reference to the shortage of trucks available for the up-country districts. It was pointed out "that the inability of the Department to meet tbe requirements of the sheepfarmers was causing serious loss and inconvenience to breeders and to those who wished to feed off their crops of rape and turnips before they were attacked by blight. The trouble was particularly serious in regard to lambs, which are liable to be seriously depreciated by long drives at this time of the year, even if the necessary drovers are available

In replying to the arguments raised fcy the deputation, Mr. Hiley pointed out that the slack trade until two weeks ago had been responsible for a shortage of about 500,000 sheep carried by the railways as compared with last year, and the consequent pressure on the Department has lately ' been particularly severe, whilst ram fairs, agricultural shows, and freezing works' requirements had also been 'exceptionally heavy. The question of organisation was gone into, and the deputation .had to admit that the Department kept themselves well informed as to the requirements of tbe various districts and were fully alive to the necessities of the position.

A suggestion that "L" trucks could! be used at a pinch was considered, but it was pointed out that they would be unsuitable in hot weather, and would be liable to cause heavy loss by

smothering. The deputation was unanimous as to the anxiety shown by the wagon' controllers and station-masters to eni deavour to cope the difficulty.