ALLEGED VICTIMISATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2814, 22 November 1924, Page 3

ALLEGED VICTIMISATION.

IN CONNECTION WITH ADULTERATED MILK CHARGES. At the local S.M. Court yesterday proceedings were taken under the Pure Foods Act against James Allerby, milk vendor, of Foxton. Defendant pleaded not' guilty and was represented by Mr Bergin. John W .Huggins, Health Officer, gave evidence as to taking a sample of accused’s-milk 911 the morning of the 18th September and having it analysed. The analyst’s certificate showed that the milk contained 10 per cent, of added water. He had previously tested accused’s milk but had found it quite all right. James Allerby, in evidence, said that lie did not add any water to the milk. The milk tested was night’s milk and had been left standing in cans all night outside in a tub of water. On the night previous to the 19th, witness did not do the milking as he had been confined to his bed. One morning while on his round a boy named Blanche, employed on- the opposition milk cart, had called out “Allerby waters his milk.” The wires on witness’s farm had been cut and his gates opened. He had. complained to the police about those acts. He took no precautions to stop anybody tampering with the milk.

Dorothy Allerby, wife of defendant said that on the night previous to the 18th September she did the milking, assisted by a boy. She did not add any water to the milk. They were forced to sell. the previous night’s milk owing to a number of their cows having died. The Government Veterinary surgeon after an examination of the animals had said that they had been poisoned. Witness had received several anonymous letters lately informing her that she had better “get out of the town.” Her neighbour had also received one concerning witness. Extracts from a paper concerning English immigrant's had also been forwarded witness. Mr Bergin said that it was hardly likely Allerby would 'be foolish enough to water his milk as he served the local doctor, police and most of the councillors. The S.M. said that he would ad - journ the case until next court day and instructed the police to inquire into the alleged victimisation. Continuing, the S.M. said that people were apt to forget that they originally came from the Old Country when I hey cried down new arrivals. They were the people who ought to be run out of the town, not the successful new arrivals.