NOVEL HORSE THIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 72, 14 March 1908, Page 4

NOVEL HORSE THIEF.

A MYSTERIOUS HORSEWOMAN,

A sensation occurred at the Midland •Junction stock saleyards last week, says a Perth message. A large number ol "buyers and onlookers attended at the yards, and while the saie was in progress a horseman —or, as it afterwards turned out, a horsewoman—riding a line-looking dark-brown horse cantered | up (q the yards from the direction of Perth, and stated that the animal wns one which had been notified for sale. The onlookers notified that the new arrival dismounted on the wrong side, and also removed the saddle in an unusual manner. The rider wore a wliite drill suit, with a gentleman's Tuscan straw hat; but it was noticed that for footwear she had a pair of lady's boots, with fairly high heels. Nothing further happened until the animal was put up for sale half an hour or more after being brought into the yard. The au ■- lioueer suggested that the rider might mount and show the horse's paces, but the suggestion was declined, ami eventually the horse was disposed of at. a fair price to one buyer, and I lie saddle and bridle to another. The rider of the animal sought to obtain payment for tlieni at once. but. us further sales were in progres-. was put oft until la tel. While waiting, it is stated, flip mysterious MMidor of tile horse fainted, lmt was brought to by the onlooker-. 1-ater the stranger went up the street. The l«iliee were 011 the alert, ami within a very short time Sergeant Pilkington ar rested the stranger. The sergeant's auspicious i limed out to lie correct. r*ic ■■horseman" gave the name of Elaine -lolmson. Further investigations led the police to think that the horse had not lieen acquired honestly, and the woman was charged at the "Midland .function Police Court with having stolen one dark--brown gelding, together with snddl-- and bridle, and with having disguised bei-eLf with intent lo commit acrim\ On Ihe application of the police the iv-ncli granted :i remand for eight days. \o haifwus applied for. and thp woman in custodv. Ihe woman gave her age a.- 'ia years. She has two children. one of whom, an infant, was brought to her in the Midland police elation! I