MAGISTRATES' COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 283, 10 December 1879, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURT.

[Before J. Sclanders, A. Jones, aud Peter Donald, Esqs., J.J.P.] A. G. Jenkins was charged by Thomas Hunt, Inspector of Sheep, with having failed witbin 48 hours of his becoming aware tbat his flock of 1600 sheep had been infected with scab, to give notice to the Inspector, contrary to the provisions of the 24th clause of " The Sheep Act, 1878." Mr Atkinson appeared for the defendant, and pleaded guilty, but in doing so said that Mr Jenkins was a most careful sheep owner and was really unaware of the provisions of the Act in this matter. Mr Hunt was sworn and stated that he found some of Mr Jenkins' sheep scabby after having been dipped. He admitted that Mr Jenkins was a careful sheepowner but he was not disposed to withdraw the case.

The Chairman said the defendant uuder the circumstances would be fined the lowest penalty, £1 0 Although even this might seem a hard matter, it would be harder in the case of a poor man, whp, perhaps, had not the advantages cf Mr Jenkins, and having read the law might not understand it. A gentleman iv iMr Jenkins' position should have known, (he provisions of the Act. Lucas & Son v. Grattan Cook.— This was an action to recover amount o_ subscribtiou for Nekon Evetn- g Mail £3 os Gd. Mr Percy Adams appeared for the plaintiffs, for whom judgment w:.s given with costs £1 Cs.