MAGISTERIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2579, 27 June 1881, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

TIMAEIJ—THIS DAT.

(Before R. Beetham Esq., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Two first offenders were fined 5s a-piece. TRESPASSING IN PUBBXJIT OP GAME. James Poff, Frank Poff, John Coll, and Michael Tregonning, were charged with trespassing on the land of the N.Z. and Australian Land Company at Pareora in pursuit of game on June 15. Mr Jameson appeared for James Poff and John Coll. Inspector Pender conducted the prosecution. Tregonning pleaded guilty, the others all denied the charge. George Smith said he was staying with Mr Turnbull, the manager of the land at Pareora. On June 15 was out with Mr McPherson, the overseer on the estate. Saw James Poff and four or five dogs in an open paddock on the property. Presently the three other defendants rose on the top of a hill near. The dogs were in a swamp close at hand at this time.

Cross-examined by Mr Jameson —The dogs were where they ought not to have been. They had evidently been coursing. Did not sea any coursing going on. Tregonning was the only one of the three on the hill that witness could identify. Alexander McPherson, overseer at the station, deposed to being out with Smith on the 15th. Saw the three men rise from the tussock on top of the hill. Presently had a conversation with Frank Poff. Had captured the dogs before this and Frank Poff wanted them back from witness. Asked him his name which he at first refused to give, but afterwards said it was James Poff, and that the names of the other two men were called White and Gibson. Refused to give up the dogs. Frank Poff presently admitted that he had been coursing on the estate. There were hares at the place where witness first saw the dogs and men.

Andrew Turnbull said he was manager of the N.Z. and A.L. Company at the Pareora station. Knew the hill and swamp referred to by previous witnesses.

Mr Jameson-There are so many hills and awamps I His Worship said that the witness must be able to identify the spots indicated without the possibility pf a doubt. His present evidence would not do. Then (addressing Inspector Pender) His Worship said that he would grant a remand if necessary. After some further argument between Mr Jameson and His Worship, the case was adjourned to Friday next, His Worship telling the defendants that they were at liberty to go. He would not put them to the expense and trouble of being bound over to appear or anything of that kind. He should simply expect them all four to appear before him on Friday morning. The Court then adjourned.