MOISTURE IN BUTTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2894, 1 September 1909, Page 21

MOISTURE IN BUTTER.

i THE AUCKLAND PROSECUTION. ; GOVERNMENT'S DESIRE TO WITHDRAW. AUCKLAND, August 30. At the Police Court this afternoon, be- ; fore Mr Kettle, S.M., the New Zealand Dairy Association was charged with having, on February 20, ■ exported from the Dominion butter which contained more than 16 per dent, of water. Mr Mays', who appeared "for the department, said that since the last day on which the case was before -the court he. had received telegraphic instructions to withdraw the information. Apparently the Government was satisfied with public attention having been drawn to the matter, and did not wish a punitive conviction. At ' an/rate, his instructions were to withdraw Mr Kettle: On what grounds do they withdraw it? Mr Mays : The primary object of the prosecution was to direct attention to it. Mr Kettle : The primary object of a prosecution is to punish an evasion of the law. Mr Mays (handing up the telegram to his Worship) : That's all I know of it. His Worship (reading) : " Please withdraw case against New Zealand Daiiy Association, the latter to pay all costs." Who is this from? added Mr Kettle. Mr Mays : That is from the Secretary of Agriculture. Mr Kettle : Under whose instruction * does he withdraw the prosecution? Mr Mays : I wired the result of the previous heiring, and that is the reply I received. Mr Kettle : I want some evidence as to the reason why this prosecution is being withdrawn. ! Mr Hanna (for the defendants) : This is most unsatisfactory to us. I say definitely and absolutely that we are perfectly content to meet the charge made against us. A great deal of publicity has been given to this case, and a lot of statements made which we are anxious to refute. Mr Kettle (to Mr Mays) : Have you no proper' grounds for withdrawing this information? If not, I will not consent to its withdrawal. Mr Mays : I know nothing mow about it. I assume that the Government is satisfied with drawing attention to the matter. After some fnrthe* discussion his Wor ship, at Mr Hanna's request, reinstated the case, and granted an adjournment for fi week to enable the prosecution to get its witnesses.