STOCK INSPECTOR’S OFFICE

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1930, Page 10

STOCK INSPECTOR’S OFFICE

NEED FOR ASSISTANCE. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONCERN. Plain speaking at the last meeting of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce disclosed the fact that the commercial interests of the town as well .as the settlers throughout the district are considerably perturbed at what is described as the “intolerable position, ’ existing at the office of the Stratford stock inspector, where the Agricultural Department has left one officer to cope not only with the intensive, field work, but with all the reports and clerical duties peculiar to this important office. Representations on the mibject have been made through various branches of the Farmers’ Union, and the chamber has already drawn the attention of the department’s officials to the position, but replies seem to indicate that Hie department is loath to grant even a junior assistant or office clerk. Meanwhile the inspector'‘has a large district to cover in his various capacities as stock inspector, inspector of weeds, brands, earmarks, rabbits, etc., with the result that the office stands locked up practically every da'y with no one to answer telephone calls, take messages, or tender advice in urgent cases. In thd course of the discussion it was made plain that no reflection was implied -in connection with the services rendered- by the inspector. On the contrary, it was stated that Mr. Harris Worked an average of 18 hours a day ih an endeavour to attend to essential requirements, and had it not been for his conscientious attention to the duties of his office the matter would have come to a head long ago.