SHEEP TRUCKS.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 50, 6 October 1911, Page 4

SHEEP TRUCKS.

THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION. At the last conference of the Farmer’s Union a resolution was passed in regard to the construction of sheep trucks and of sheep and cattleyards at stations. The resolution was forwarded to the Minister for Railways, who has replied to the union stating that all sheep trucks are being fitted with grated floors, but the work has of necessity to be carried out gradually, as the waggons are taken into the shops for repairs. As to the suggestion that all sheep waggons should be provided with an end-on door, the

Minister says that some years ago a number of the waggons in use were provided with end doors, but it was found that in actual practice the doors were of little service, and considerable difficulty was experienced in loading the trucks to their full capacity, the result being that it took more trucks to convey a given number of sheep than under the present system. The Wellington and Manawatu Co., also had end doors fitted to the double-deckers and in the company’s experience was somewhat similar to that of the Department. The end doors were ultimately removed, and in view of the large expense that would be involved in again providing such appliances and in making the necessary alterations to the stock yards, the Minister regrets that he cannot see his way to comply with the union’s request. As to the provision of stock yards at stations, the policy of the Department is to provide standard stock yards wherever the traffic warrants it, and a considerable sum is spent annually in improving yards of the old type. Requests, however, are frequently made for the provision of stock yards' at stations where the traffic is inconsiderable, and where the owners of stock are already within easy distance of stations < fitted with up-to-date yards, and in some cases, at the request of settlers themselves, yards of somewhat less than the standard yards have been provided.