7 MARCH 1931, Page 17

PIT PONIES [To the Editor of the SchczAton.] Sin,—May I

be permitted to endorse the views expressed by your correspondent Mr. - Philip Gee, in your issue of Feb- ruary 14th ? If definite evidence to support Miss Gardner's charges could be submitted to the proper quarter, there is no doubt it would be fully investigated. Failing the production of such evidence; charges of general and systematic cruelty are not worthy of further consideration.

It does not appear to be generally known that many colliery companies employ veterinary surgeons, sometimes in a whole- time capacity, to supervise the management of their studs, and to advise them in matters pertaining- to the welfare of the ponies. Some companies have followed this policy for at least the lakt fifty years, a fact which suggests it has been advantageous both to the animals, and the companies. This Association-has a special Mining Sub-Committee, the members of which are representative of the various mining districts. They are engaged in the supervision of animals used in mines and they are conversant with the conditions under which ponies are employed. It is the experience of veterinary sur- geons so employed that the case, as presented by some of your correspondents, is grossly overstated, and incapable of general proof.

Official Government inspection of pit ponies was instituted

by the Coal Mines Act of 1911, and it is inexplicable that the Government of the day failed to avail itself of the experience of veterinary inspection, which had been accumulated during previous years, by those companies which had voluntarily adopted such inspection in the interest of their animals. Nor has any subsequent Government considered the desirability of placing under the direction and control of a veterinary officer, fully experienced in the manageinent of pit ponies, the Whole system of official inspection.I am, Sir, &c., J. CLARKSON

(Chairman, Mining 'Sub-Conimittec).

:V. V. Al. A. of G.-B. and I., - 2 Vertileim Buildings, Gray's Inn London, W.C.1.