Breach of Stock Act.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 29, 4 February 1901, Page 1

Breach of Stock Act.

The Guardian gives the following report of a case heard at Wairoa: —On the information of F. Mcßae, a charge was made against E. Baker, of having driven sheep from Ruatikuri through plaintiff’s run without giving notice. Plaintiff said the case was only brought as a test to decide whether or not people driving sheep along a road, bounded on either side by one person’s land had to give notice. He wanted no damages. It was admitted that the driving took place, that the road in question was a public highway 7 , and that plaintiff’s land was fenced on both sides of the road, though not sheep proof when: dogs were following up. Mr Dinwiddie, for defendant, read section 52 of the Stock Act, which made it imperative on drovers to give notice ot the point of entry on land and exit therefrom, and compelled them to drive in a straight line, as applying to unfenced roads, or, where it was neeessary to take sheep aerpss a run. Plaintiff maintained that no dr oyer could drive through private property§Ayithout giving notice. His Worship ; Bhfr this is a public highway. Mr Dinwiddie: And Mr Mcßae did not claim to be the licensee or occupier of the road in the terms of the Act. Plaintiff: Then the Act is no good. The Magistrate pointed out that the road being fenced the sheep could not mix, and he did not see what harm could be done. Plaintiff: Some had got mixed, and if he got notice —as he did in many eases —he would go along and see they did not mix. The Magistrate took tune to consider the point, and at 2 p.m. dismissed the ease on the ground that plaintiff was not the occupier of the highway, comprising the land over which the sheep had been travelled. Defendant was allowed .£1 10s for his expenses and £1 Is solicitor’s fee.

Messrs Crawford and Son draw attention to a number of new books which they have just received.;, The ordinary meeting of the Hospital Trustees has been fixed for next Wednesday evening. A cable message received last night states that Mr Alfred Bennett, formerly proprietor of the Evening News, is dead. Beports from all parts of the district are to the effect that the grass-seed crop will be poor this year. Mr W. Douglas Lysnar notifies that he has for sale or lease a dwelling-house, with 3 to 28 acres, about a mile from the bridge. A telegram received from Christchurch;last night states that the girl Sarah Lockhart, who took spirits of salts on Friday, died at the hospital on Saturday evening. On the front page of this morning’s Times will be found shipping and telegraphic news, and on the fourth page the report is continued of the eloquent address given by the Rev. Mr Oldham. Shipping cablegrams received early this morning state that the Talune has arrived at Sydney and the Alameda departed. The Brisbane left Newcastle yesterday for Lyttelton. Great preparations are being made for the soiree tendered by the Gisborne Rechabites to the visiting district officers and delegates, which is to be held on the 16th inst. in Macfarlane’s hall.

A telegram received from Westport last night states that the output of coal last week was 7612 tons, of which the Westport Company shipped 7459 tons, and the Westport Co-operative Company 153 tons. The bee-keeping industry in this district has had a set back during the present season. The chief apiarist in the district is Mr G. Stevenson, who has 250 hives at work this year. He informs us that though the bees are working well this season, and there is plenty of feed for them, there is not sufficient substance in the food, which has been considerably affected by the wet weather. Bee-keeping this season camiot be classed under the heading of profitable industries. *

A quiet wedding took place yesterday afternoon at the residence of Mrs T. U’Ren, “ Tiromoana,” Kaiti, when Mr Edgar Henry. Pavitt, of Christchurch, was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Mrs H. C. Boylan, of Gisborne. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. G. Paterson in the presence of the relatives of the bride. Mr and Mrs Pavitt left for the South by the Moura last evoning, carrying with them the best wishes of their many friends in Gisborne for their future happiness.