HORSEFLESH AS BEEF.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 298, 9 May 1913, Page 8

HORSEFLESH AS BEEF.

ASTOUNDING ALLEGATIONS IN A LONDON POLICE COURT. London, March 21. An extraordinary allegation; that the flesh of slaughtered horses and donkeys had been sold for human consumption was mentioned before Mr. Dickinson at the Thames. Police Court yesterday. Eour prisoners were in the dock—Henry Clarke, 52, carman, of Alton street, Poplar j Joseph Schofield," it, dealer; Charles Wood, 49, butcher; and John Lacey, 80, horse dealer. " j It was alleged that the four men had ; been concerned in the theft of horses from various parts of London, and evidence was given of the discovery of hides and Rainess of lost animals, at J Alton street occupied by Clarke. Counsel stated that there was little doubt that, through the medium of certain butchers, the carcases had been disposed Of for human or other consumption, and that had been gojtog on for Borne time. Letters found •by' the police would show that Wood had been trading with various horse-slaughterers, for whom he had purchased the carcases of horses and donkeys, and when that supply ceased the idea of stealing horses was conceived. Among the witnesses was a man named George Fowler, who stated that Wood used to sell "beef" although he never saw him with oxen. He had seen "the butcher" taking away the meat in the oart. A man named Bob Clarke also ,nsed to fetch away meat. a young xoman stated that she had seen quarters of "beef,' like you see in .butchers' shops," in Henry Clarke's yard; • Charles Clarke, a licensed horBCBlaughterer, said Wood wrote him offering to buy "boner out" meat or "boned in" meat. That was horse-meat at 10s a cwt. Wood told him he would buy "anything," as long as it was moat, and the flesh sent included that of a slaughtered donkey. Mr. Dickinson remanded prisoners.