THE S.P.C.A.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19998, 15 November 1927, Page 6

THE S.P.C.A.

\ An organisation which undoubtedly has exercised a great influence iri promoting the spread of that spirit of humanitarianism which is a feature of the present as compared with past ages is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, popularly known as the S.P.C.A. It goes without saying that where a people’s instincts do not lead them to be kind to animals, there will be little kindness between man and man, and there is more than one country in the world where the truth of this is still to be found. Per contra, where the spirit of humanity is active enough to extend to animals it will usually be found extending to humans as well. Human claims must, of course, come first, but there is no decent-minded man or woman who would limit his or her pity to human beings alone, or fail to reprobate any cruelty to the inferior members of the animal kingdom.

The Wanganui branch of the SJ’.C.A., while only one of numerous such agencies throughout, the world, has nevertheless worthily pursued its aim within its own sphere, and the work it has accomplished in this district throughout the years of its existence mark it as a body whose members are thoroughly imbued with the ideals which are its main purpose for being. Its work is mostly done away from the public eye. If it be only now and then that we see a case of cruelty to animals reported in local Court proceedings, that does not mean that it is inactive ; it simply means that its inspectors and members are so much on the alert that they are usually able to ensure the proper treatment of dumb animals without recourse to drastic proceedings.

The society is mostly dependent upon public goodwill and the enthusiasm of its members for monetary support, and, that being so, the maintenance of the necessary finance is necessarily a matter which has to be periodically and closely attended to. For the purpose of ensuring a public contribution to the funds required for this year’s operations, the local society is holdinga fair and garden party to-morrow which will no doubt appeal to all supporters of a worthy cause, and, in drawing attention to it, the hope may be expressed that the public will recognise the fine work the society is doing by bestowing its liberal patronage upon the function.