SHOOTING OF COW

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 99, 11 December 1953, Page 5

SHOOTING OF COW

HUNTER CONVICTED The shooting of a black poley cow in an area of State Foresf near Oruanui, on September 20th, 1953, resulted in Alexander Paterson appearing in the Magistrate's Court, Taupo, before Mr Harlow, S.M., on Friday, November 27, on a charge of theft. Constable Rowlands prosecuted and Mr E. Roe appeared for defen- # dant. George Habib, storekeeper, Oruanui, stated in evidence that he had gone to the bush with Mr Tu Williams and there found the dead cow. It was earmarked and belonged to him, its value being £30. The front and rear quarters had been removed. Constable D. Mills gave evidence of visiting the bush with Williams who grazed 300 head of cattle on same block as Habib. The part of the hide on which a brand would normally be had been removed with the meat. / Mr Roe, for defendant, said that his client, who pleaded not guilty, was of good character and had a permit to hunt on the block. He admitted shooting the cow and was willing to pay its value. Giving evidence Paterson said that he saw the cow rush across a clearing and shot at once. He did not notice the earmarks until after he had removed the meat. He did not see any brand on the animal. In.answer to Mr Roe, he said he gave portions of the meat to several of his neighbours.- He made no secret of the matter. ^ The Magistrate stated that defendant had been far too ready to shoot. There were three hundred head of cattle on the block. It was defendant's duty to examine the beast and he had not seen the earmarks till he had removed the meat. It was his duty to search out the owner and he had failed to do so, thus showing, ip the judgment of the Court, mens rea (guilty mind). Defendant would do well in future to make sure an animal was wild before shooting. He would be convicted and fined £10, with costs £1, and ordered to make restitution of £30. 1