Barney and his Cow. \ ■» < ■ A Curious Case of MistfAKKit Idbntitt.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 294, 29 August 1888, Page 2

Barney and his Cow. \ ■» < ■ A Curious Case of MistfAKKit Idbntitt.

Somb little stir was occasioned at Waiorongomai on t unday last by the report that a cow belonging to a local resident had been killed and skinned during the previous night, presumably for spite, or through ill will. The circumstances as related to 113 arc substantially as follows : — About ten o'clock on Sunday morning Sergt. Emerson received a note fro*:n MiBernard Montague stating his presence was required at Waiorongomai, etc- The Sergeant lost no time in obeying the summons and interviewing Mr and Mrs Montague was told that their cow had been killed and skinned during the previous night. That the cow which was kept at grnss in Mr Jansens paddock close to the township had last been milked on Saturday morning, Saturday evening being very wet it had not been milked, that it could not be formed on Sunday morning until it was at length discovered dead and skinned in a ditch. Sufficient persons were suspected and motives attributed for the foul deed. The cow it was stated was a roan cow. The Sergeant proceeding with the owner of the lost animal and some neighbours to inspect the scene of the outrage were the means of soon attracting a small crowd, who, not having heard all the circumstances of the case wondered what was up. On examining the dead bens* the Sergeant drew attention to the fact that it appeared to have been skinned at least for some days, and also to the fact that the head which lay near by, was that of a red cow and not a roan. The owner of the lost beast was not however to be thus thrown off the scent, but asserted most positively the skinned animal before them was his lost cow, he had not the shadow of a doubt on the subject, could swear to it by head, horns, and carcase. It was next decided to make eniuiries at the two adjacent slaughter-houses, and whilst this was being done a loud co'ee was repeatedly heard from the direction of the township, and presently a messenger came up and almost knocked Mr Montague down by stating, "Barnay, your cow has come home." Quickly recovering himself however, Barney scouted the idea of such a thing and asserted it was impossible, as she lay ysnder in the ditch and would never more come home again. To make a long story short however, after much persuasion Mr Montnguo was at length induced (as a more matter oj form of course) to at any rate go and see the new comer on tho scene ; at tho. same time repeatedly nssenting he would swear on all the Bibles ever printed his cow lay dead in the ditch, and had boon killed by some evil disposed person. As Barney drew near to the cow referred to by the messenger, the scene was Indicious, first of all, well she had some little resemblance to his cow, and th° points of resemblance gradually more ami more forcibly made impression, assisted* by some of the neighbours, until at length ho exclaimed. Well by — bnt I believe its her after all, — and asserted that it was the most wonderful thing he had ever heard of in his life. Yes, there, could be no doubt about it. The skin, the frame, was that of Barney's co.v, although appearances were against the idea of milk being present, unless in extremely small quantities. Further investigation*, and the story having by this time got pretty well known, it was found that the presumed victim of an outrage was the property of Mr P. Hogan, which had fallen into the ditch, thereby breaking its neck, and was subsequently skinned. The circumstances in connection with the whole affair caused much amusement, but it has a moral as well, that should not be lost sight of, viz , That people cannot be too careful in suspecting, much loss accusing others, on merely circumstantial evidence, and should not jump to too hasty conclusions.

It will bo good news to many of (ho graziers in this district, says tho Ilawera Star, to heir that the manager of the Oroua Downs station has decided to rely on the London market for the sale of the stock fattened on that large, rich, and fertile property. No other grazing farm on this coast has been so formidable a competitor to tho average West Coast grazier as the Oroua Downs has proved ; tho lar^o numbers of fat stock annually turned off having proved a constant attraction for visiting buyers of beef and mutton in largo quantities. If flawera graziers asked a piico slightly above recent quotations, they were told by the buyers, "Oh, we can buy what we want cheaper on the Oroua Downs." We hear that they have jtift secured freight to London for 100 head of fat beef per month, and for 10,000 sheep at tho rate of about 800 per month, during the next 12 months ; the reduced rates for freight and freezing recently offered having no doubt induced them to mako tho change. They will henceforth sell in tho Lcndon market, and will not sell in New Zealand. This not only removes a formidable rival from tho local market, but it is also presages better prices for beef and mutton sold locally. Kocent reports from the Canteibury markets am to the eU'cct that, as much as 20s for a 751b sheep has been, given. An Irish gentleman at cards, having on inspection found the pool deficient, oxclaimed, "Here's a shilling short, who put it in ?" A certain Iribh attorney thioatened to prosecute a Dublin pi inter for insex-ting the death of a living person, The menacer c*n* eluded with theremaik, " That no printer should publish a death unless informed of tho fact by the party deceased." A bairister, attempting to browbeat a female witness, told her she had brass enough to make a saucepan. The woman retorted, " And you have sauce enough to fill it," The poundkeeper notifies that eeveral cittle have been impounded.