RACEHORSES ON TRAINS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144199, 16 September 1913, Page 4

RACEHORSES ON TRAINS.

REPLY TO RACING CONFERENCE. PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 15. The Alinistcr for Railways has replied through the president of tho Racing Conference to tho rojiresentations placed beforo him in July last by a deputation from the conference. Tho Minister states that very strict instructions have boon given regarding cleaning stock waggons, but during the busy season owners of racehorses prefer to have waggons supplied before being cleaned •lather than have any slight delay. Special caro is taken ip connection with tho cleaning and disinfecting of trucks in which animals Icnown to bo diseased have been convoyed. Instructions were given some time ago that each truck should ho provided with a colza rooflamp, and instances where this is not dono if supplied will bo investigated. Tbo only apparent advantages possessed by the class' of’ horse-box used in West Australia and Queensland is the provision for a double roof and a water tank, and cushioned seats in tho grooms’ compartment. Suggested improvements. for .’alterations to horseboxes now in.'use on tho New Zealand Railways, aro invited, and the matter will bo again referred to tho department’s officers. As to tho conveyance of racehorses by special trains, tho Alinir.tcr states that provided owners co'mbino and "give a load of 25 boxes or 50 horses, the department will run special trains, if convenient, for tho conveyance of horses from Christchurch to Dunedin or Dunedin to Invercargill. Tho president of the conference communicated further with the Minister on this point, suggesting a reduction of tho minimum combined load to 16 boxes,and 32 horses. The Alinistcr replied that tho department-was prepared to reduce this to 40 horses on 20 four-wheeled waggons.