TROUBLE ON FARM

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 280, 16 February 1928, Page 1

TROUBLE ON FARM

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL SUED REMOVAL OF CATTLE ALLEGED Allegations of appropriating certain cattle and assaulting the female plaintiff are contained in the statement of claim in a civil action which commenced in the Supreme Court this morning before Mr. Justice Reed and a jury of twelve. Henry Matchitt and Lillian Matchitt, of Edgecumbe (Mr. T. C. Chalmers) sued Michael Galvan, field inspector, Crown Lands Department (Mr. Meredith) to recover a total of £668, the wife claiming £lO5 for loss of cattle and £2OO for assault, and the male plaintiff £IOO for trespass and £63 for loss of cattle.

It was alleged that the defendant entered upon the property of the plaintiffs at Whakatane and cut down a gate, and tramped on the grass; that he took seven dairy cows and seven dairy heifers, and also assaulted Mrs. Matchitt. Mr. Chalmers said the defence was a denial of the allegations and an affirmative defence that the cattle Vere not the property of the plaintiff’s, but of the Crown by virtue of a bill of sale over them.

He said that on August 27 Galvin and two other men arrived at plaintiff's home and took possession of the stock. Mrs. Matchitt objected and If was alleged that the defendant used her very roughly. Evidence was given by the drover who was sent to takb possession of the stock. The case is proceeding.