The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERT MORNING. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1909. A DEPARTMENTAL MUDDLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2669, 26 November 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERT MORNING. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1909. A DEPARTMENTAL MUDDLE.

Several months ago it came to the knowledge of the Cook County Council that a person was feeding a large quantity of, pigs' from raw offal, obtain-" ed at the Abattoirs, and that the meat rof the slaughtered animals was being sold in town. The practice is not only a disgusting one, but it is distinctly dangerous to the health of the community. Likewise it is an offence against the law, and the local Health Officer instructed the Council to prosecute. For some reason this was not done immediately, but subsequently Mr Miller, Chief Inspector of the Agricultural Department in this district, was also, made aware of the facts, and he deemed it his duty to write to the Minister in Wellington asking for permission to prosecute. This was four months ago, and still he has received no reply to his communication. The County Council assumed that the Government had taken the matter out of its hands, and in this way it has been possible for the offender, if he chose, to continue the objectionable methods, and it is reported that he has been doing so. However, it is satisfactory to know that the matter having been brought before the County Council, that body lias decided to prosecute at once, " and if the alleged offender be guilty he will be compelled. . to . desist from a practice that constitutes a menace to the community. It is evident that justice is at times very tardy in arrival when it has to find its way through the ? medium of Government institutions.