SCAB IX SHEEPACTION AGAINST A FAILMKIl. THE CASE DISMISSED Thames, August 25.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 294, 29 August 1888, Page 4

SCAB IX SHEEPACTION AGAINST A FAILMKII. THE CASE DISMISSED Thames, August 25.

CoNsiDKRABMi interest was taken yesteiday in the prosecution by the Sheep Department against Air J. B. Steedraan, of Waikawau, who was charged with being the owner of infected sheep within the meaning of the Sheex^ Act, 1878, and failed within 48 hours after becoming aware that the sheep were infected to give notice thereof to the Inspector ot the Auckland Sheep Department;. i\Ji 11. W. Northeroit presided. There was another case of a similar nature for the 21st June, but it was agreed to take both informations together. 31 r Hudson Williamson, Crown Prosecutor ot Auckland, appeared for the Sheep Depaitmen+, and Messrs Cotter and Stewart tor defendant. When the Court adjourned at 5.30 p.m., only the case for the prosecution wab concluded. Evidence was given by Superintendent Bayly, Inspector Drumniond, R. West, W. Beid, J. Bennett, \\ . 0. Jamieson and J. Peveril, from which it appeared that Mr Steedman's sheep had been infected with scab for .some time past ; that scab was found in d lot ncnt to IParawai Saleyards two day.s atter tlieir arrival, and that the disease was also found at Miranda on Mime sheep purchased by Mr Porter of that place fiom Mr Steedman'b s-on two months after they had been turned out with the lcmainuci of his flock. Mr Porter reported the matter to the Department. Mr Cotter submitted that there was no case to meet, a c Ihe prosecution had failed to show that tho defendant was aware that the sheep wcie infected. His Worship, however, held that a ca^e had been made out, and adjoin nod the case until to-day, it being intimated that seven or eight witnesses would be called for the defence. The heating of the two cases against J. B. Stcedman, he being owner of sheep inle^tcd with scab, ■was continued to-day, and occupied until 1.30 p.m. His Woiship dismissed both informations, with cost?, £13 14-*. against Inspector Drummond. The information against W. J. Jamier-on and Ja<>. Bennett, of Waikawau, were then withdrawn by Mr Williamson.