RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, CLYDE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 810, 26 October 1877, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, CLYDE.

... —-O—. . . * . ■ Octobv.r, 25, 1877. (Before W. L. Simps n, E-q, R.M) . Charles Neiper, on remand on two so pa-, rate charges of stealing sheepskins, again surrendered himself. Mr F. J. Wilson for accused ; Mr Inspector Moore conducted the prnsecuion. W. Fraser, being sworn said—l recognise the sheepskins in the hands of the Police as bearing the brand of Eirnsc'cngh Station. I have not, nor has any one by my authority given permission to any person to remove sheep either deal or alive from off the station. 1 know accused. Have not sold any sheep to him for the past twelve months, as a matter of fact for the past two years. From information given mo by my head shepherd I had reason to snspect accused of having sh -epskins, my property, in his possession. I accordingly gave information to the Police. Cross-examined—! am managing partner of the Station. I have never tacitly, panther- ( wise, given permission to accused, or any other person, to remove dead sheep, or their skins off the run. It would have been a most dangerous thin; to do, as it would offer a temutntion' to people to (kill sheep purposely for their skins. , By iiermisaion’of the Bench Mr Fraaer made a statement to the effect that of the

reasons that actuated him to lay the infermill m was, that the Bench should give expro isiou to its opinion as to the legality, or otherwise of removing dead sheep Rom off rum— ho held and maintained the right in the sheep was equal whether they were' •live or dead, ami the runholder did not lose his right in them when they ceased to live—and not with the view of having the pres jnt case proceeded to its greatest length. Ho made this statement to clear away any impression that he was proaeonling the accused, such was not the case. He further considered it was his duty os a station master to initiate the proceedings. Mr Wilson for the defence spoke at some length, mainly relying that at the time of taking the skins there was no criminal intent. He admitte 1 the illegality, but urged in extenuation the want of knowledge of criminality. The Bench, after consideration, sentenced accused to fourteen days’ imprisonment in Clyde Gaol on the first charge of steal >ng three skins, which were sold to Williams •id Brown, fellmongeis, and dismissed ths second charge.