RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. BLACKS.

Dunstan Times, Volume 642, Issue 642, 7 August 1874, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. BLACKS.

Wednesday, August 4. (Before W L. Simpson, Esq., 11.M.) Cattle Stealing. John Blakeley, of Blacks, was charged, on two informations, tvith having stolen, from the Ida Valley, nne red steer, the property of Hugh Handiside ; the otiier, a white steer, the property ef Messrs Holland and Cargill. Sergeant Morton, conducted the prosecution ; and Mr Cowan defended. James Henry Eolland, being sworn, deposed—He was a runholder at Blackstone Hill and Highfield. Had some cattle running at Atkins, near the Lawder Creek, in the month of July last. They were on Mr Glassford’s run. He missed them a month

or so ago, particularly a white steer. It was not branded, but bad a double-backed bit out of the ear. Could not swear which car. The backed bit was the station brand.

By Mr Cowan—Could Hot indentify the beast outside the Court as the white steer, hut believed the shepherd, James Patterson, could. The steer in’the handa‘"of the Police was branded B on the rib, and had half of one of its ears cut off. The tail was also cut. He believed the staCon brand had been cut off. It had no mark by which he could identify it."EC is shepherd had seen the stedr outside, and would swear that it tV as the property of witness. This shepherd had had the steer under his hands, having driven it from the Molyneux to Lawder Creek grazinglgroundi By the’ Court—Had not sold, nor authorised the sale of the steer. Had sold the balance of the mob to Mr Keenan, and this steer was to have been delivered when found.

Hugh Handiside, being sworn, deposed —He was a rnnboldor at Lawder Station, and owned cattle. Had missed three head at various] times dn ring the past twelve months. Had seen a red steer in the hands of the Police yesterday. It was a stagey-looking steer. Had the tip of his tail off, and one of his ears marked with an excision. Could not .sayjwhic-li ear. The steer outside the Court was branded on the rib. Tlie brand Was very indistinct. Believed it had been recently branded. By Mr Cowan,— Could hardly discern the brand though ho thought it had been recently done. There were some roan hairs about the flank, and a dark colour about the neck and head. It was a bull with staggy horns when witness first missed him, and was unbranded, with the exception of the cut in the ear. Could not tell his age. Would swear positively that the beast outside the Court, and in the hands of the Police was his property and his partner’s. Had never sold the beast to any person, nor authorized anyone to sell. He was positive the end of the tail had been cut off since the beast was in bis possession. Had been purchased at the Taieri, by John Elliot, for witness. Had no particular brands by which he could identify the beast. John Elliott, being sworn, deposed to having purchased the bull, at the Taieri, and to having missed it in July last. Sergeant Morton app’ied for a remand to Cly le, till Thursday the 13th inat. Mr Cowan asked that the accused might be admitted to b >il. The Court granted the remand, and admitted accused to bail in three sureties of LI 00 each, and Limaclf in L2OO.