Precautions Advocated For Stock on Hill-Country Roads

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 October 1947, Page 3

Precautions Advocated For Stock on HillCountry Roads

(S.R.) Marton, Oct. 2. Some precautions should be taken to prevent losses of stock on dangerous bluffs in rugged country at the back of Taihape, said Cr. A. D. Mam (Koeke) at the monthly meeting today of the Rangitikei County Council. He added that stock was being driven over a back country road recently when a motor truck was encountered. The driver took precautions but several cattle went off the road and fell about 100 feet. As a result some were killed and others had to be destroyed. Cr. Main suggested that fences in localities such as McHardy’s Bluff, where this mishap occurred, may help to avoid similar accidents. Cr. V. Smith (Taihape). The trouble is that these fences are damaged by slips. Cr. Main said that hill country cattle were always restive and because of the dangerous nature of the roads stock dealers buying cattle would not take responsibility for the first day. The onus was on the farmer to drive the cattle out. The chairman (Cr. K. W. Dalrymple): How many cattle were there in this particular mob? Cr. Main said that there were more than 100 cattle with one drover. The chairman: But one drover is not enough for a mob like that. Other councillors expressed the opinion that even fences would not prevent cattle from going oft the road under these circumstances and the discussion lapsed.