I9U.] 



Slaughtering of Young Calves. 



403 



at the same time, be politic and practicable. I should not 

 myself hesitate to prohibit the slaughtering of calves for sale 

 as veal, but I of course recognise that any such proposal is 

 out of the question, for various reasons which need not be 

 specified. 



But I think something might be done by the Board on 

 voluntary lines : — 



r. If the Board were to collect, from thoroughly reliable 

 sources, in each county, correct data as to the prices of 

 stores now prevailing, and to take steps to have the informa- 

 tion so obtained widely disseminated in the proper quarters, 

 those who now slaughter calves for sale as veal would doubt- 

 less be led to consider whether their interests would not be 

 better served by putting their calves into the store market. 



2. A system of co-operation might easily be arranged by 

 Farmers' Unions and kindred societies, whereby those who 

 want calves to rear would know where and how to get them 

 at the times they required them. At present there is no such 

 arrangement, and one district may be in the position of 

 having to sacrifice calves for lack of demand, while other 

 districts cannot get them for lack of supply. The principal 

 Unions and Societies would, no doubt, give this matter their 

 careful consideration if the question came before them from 

 the Board of Agriculture. 



3. The sentimental aspect is worth consideration. The 

 slaughter of very immature animals, like calves a fortnight 

 or three weeks old, is distinctly repugnant to many natures. 

 The sight of these carcasses in butchers' windows is almost 

 loathsome. The action of the late Queen in discouraging the 

 killing of "lamb" had some effect for, at any rate, a time; 

 a similar expression of feeling from an equally high quarter^ 

 might, at present, have an important influence on the trade 

 in veal. Whatever may be considered the best method of 

 procedure, I think it cannot be denied that something needs 

 to be done, and that as speedily as possible, and I call the 

 Board's attention to the subject in the hope that some means 

 may be devised whereby the hardships following the present 

 scarcity of store cattle may be removed or relieved. 



The Secretary, 



Board of Agriculture. 



I am, etc., 



(Sd.) George Grey. 



E E 2 



