MAGISTERIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2468, 4 March 1882, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

CHRISTCHURCH. Fbiday, Maeoh 3. [Before R. Beotham, Esq., R.M.] Aixeged Cattle Stealing —James Wright was charged with stealing a heifer, valued at £6, the property of Walter Hogg. Mr MoOonnel appeared for prisoner. Inspector Pender called Walter Hcgg, who deposed to having lost the heifer from her tether at his place, and to finding her, after a lapse of several months on the property of accused. When witness claimed the heifer, prisoner Bald ho would recompense the family of witness for the expense and trouble they had been put to. Afterwards, although no mention had been made of a prosecution, accused paid witness £5 in cash for his “day’s expenses,” and gave him a bill for £SO, which was to pay witness for advertising, and “ the worry and anxiety ” connected with the loss of the heifer. After this arrangement she was left to graze with prisoner. When found, the heifer was not claimed by prisoner. Witness never authorised the prosecution. Prisoner cried, and asked him to forgive him. The £55 was not given to prevent prosecution ; it was for the trouble and anxiety he had suffered. Wm. Brown, a labourer and brother-in-law cf accused, deposed to seeing the heifer in Wright’s paddock. It had strayed there. Three weeks afterwards Wright showed him an advertisement relating to her. Wright read it to him. Prisoner said he thought he would let the heifer run on, and in fact she remained there for some time, and was taken away with some others. John Neal, detective, stated that he arrested prisoner on February 21st on the present charge. Prisoner, on being arrested, said ho never owned or stole the heifer. Witness took possession of it on Wright’s farm at Sheffield. The Magistrate said, as there was no evidence of the prisoner’s having known who the owner of the heifer was when he found it, the case for the prosecution must break down. Case dismissed.