STOCK ACT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1930, Page 5

STOCK ACT

ISKEACH IN YARDING

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

Wanganui, sept, m

A case of uuusual interest to farmers' came .before Magistrate Salmon this morning, when Keith Ait ken, a farm overseer, was charged with, at iParihauhau, being the ■ occupier .• u.’ land, known as the. Darcy Estate, he did muster and yard siieep for removal and did tail to give due notice to the occupiers of the adjoin* ' ing land. i/elective Revell, who conducted the case, said there was no suggestion of dishonesty. Two per «tin of jfuy sheep were drafted and handed over to tile drover. Later on the road he found several neighbour’s sheep in the mob. Fanners, added the detective, committed similar Breaches daily and the case was brought to warn them of their obligations. Air A< A. Barton, for the defence, said A ftken only visited the farm about twice a year. He asked that no conviction he recorded as accused was an honest man. He contend-, ed that the information had not been properly laid. The Act stated any stock inspector or person interested, or, owner, could lay an information, but this did not mean an outsider or a detective.

The 'Magistrate quoting the Act;— “Say or other pensou interested/’ He asked was-not a police officer interested in upholding the law, Mr Barton: —We are ail interested in that respect. The Magistrate Then you contend a perspn interested, means interested in the land. Counsel:—Yes.

The Magistrate:—lf. the detective abandoned the case that does not help you, for the Stock Inspector could lay the information.

He then reserved , hn; decision in order to look up authorities.