CORRESPONDENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2100, 28 January 1908, Page 1

CORRESPONDENCE

[Correspondence on public matters is woleomod at all times, but it must bo distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opinions of its correspondents.]

STRAY STOCK ON COUNTY

ROADS

[To tub Editoii.J

Sir. —J have had my attention drawn to your report oi the County Council proceedings on the 18th inst. On t'ho report of the County ranger, it was suggested that if the driving foes wore paid the animals should be released. Thai is to say, that after the ranger has galloped all day or all night, as the ease may be, in search of straying cattle, which in many instances have been placed upon the County roads to graze by unscrupulous individuals, who are regardless of any accident that may occur, irrespective of damaging the roads and causing wanton wasto of public monies through their wilful breaking of the law, and who may have been getting cheap grazing for weeks, and instances that I know of for months and years previous lo being “copped,” may be let lightly off without even press exposure, or having the trouble of fetching them from the pound. 1 am more than surprised at Councillor JLysnar moving in that direction. Seeing that lie has brought forward such a big scheme, which he is trying to show us will benefit our roads, and lessen our expenses; and yet side tracking, offering little incentives to law breakers to break down banks and lill in water tables by cattle that have been turned out oil tho County’s' highway to graze. “Councillor lyeuway seconding.” Well, 1 cannot liken him to Saint Paul as the “Chief of Sinners” but lie has not set a good examplo in regard' to the straying of cattle on the Waimata road. We have all heard his ding, dong, on road matters and broad tyres, so 1 am not at all surprised at his seconding such a pro!><x-a I • X think .Mr. Editor thero must have been a vis a torgo, a propelling force from behind, that this matter was brought forwaid, as 1 notice, at the same meeting that Messrs Do L.tutoiM', Barker and Stocks’ legal opinion was given, ro the County ranger’s powers to inpound cattle found wandering on a Sunday. Now, Sir, the ranger made •■< “cop” in this Waimata on one Sunday about a month ago, and 1 understood great indignation was expressed at liis coming into this sanctum sanctorum, where Sunday trailing iis carried on with impunity. O temporal 0 mores! Domino dingo nos.

Cattle-grazing on the road should lie made a much more serious oftonco than it is. Two years ago a drover driving cattle on this Waiimtta road had 1 a boast so injured as to cause death bv straying cattle. The drover summoned a. certain fanner in this Waimata Valley who has been using the county road for years for grazing purposes, and now being afraid of the Ranger coming on a Sunday he turns them with his rams and 'horses on the road leading to my place, over which I have had so much trouble and expense in getting the gates off, as lie knows the Road Board for this district rather enjoys the advertisement they have given themselves in putting their brains together to give mo a bad road.

I wish to emphasise the fact, Mr. Editor, that cattle and horses have been and arc still being turned upon the County road and upon this 2S road to graze, not only Sundays but upon other days too.—l am, etc., W. ATWILL SPURRELL. G re.enfields, Waimata. 27th January, 190 S.

WATER SUPPLY

(To the Editor.) Sir.—As those in authority have lately cut off the supply of this very precious commodity at'night time it behoves housewives and others to see that all their various utensils are fillled pip previously so that in the morning there is no bother. Even as I write these lines this morning tho water is still out off and won’t bo on for some time. The above hint may be the means of minimising any little inconveniences which may arise.—l am, etc.,

CHARLES GOWLAND