WOOD FROM RESERVE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1922, Page 6

WOOD FROM RESERVE.

CHARGE OF TRESPASSING. A WARNING PROSECUTION. (From Our Stratford Correspondent.) Ominous sounds of chopping proceeding from a scenic reserve aroused the suspicions of a forest ranger, Mr. N. R. Uren, when on his way over the Whangamomona Saddle one day last February. He waited on the roadside until a man named John Mounsey appeared, driving a horse and a sleigh-load of wood. The ranger questioned Mounsey, who admitted that he had taken firewood from the teserve and had no right to be there. As a result of this incident Mounsey was charged in the Stratford Court yesterday on seven counts with trespassing upon and interfering with the reserves, cutting • and removing timber therefrom and thus damaging the scenic features. Mr. C. H. Weston, who appeared on behalf of the Lands and Survey Department, said the action was brought under the Lands Act and the Scenery Preservation Act, at the instance of the Crown Lands Commissioner at New Plymouth, and was intended as a warning against trespassing upon scenic reserves. A serious penalty would not be asked for.

N. R. Uren, forest ranger, said he was proceeding over the Whangamomona Saddle, when he heard the sound of chopping in the reserve. Witness waited until a horse and sleigh, driven by Mounsey, appeared. Questioned, Mounsey admitted that he was cutting firewood and had no right in the reserve. Witness seized the wood, branded and measured it, and then notified the Commissioner of Crown Lands. Mounsey had been perfectly frank, and explained that he had already taken a cord and a half of wood. This was also branded. Mounsey was a storekeeper, supplying chiefly the Public Works employees in the district. The damage done to the reserve was practically nil.

The Magistrate said be understood the matter had been brought as a warning. It was difficult to understand why people did not do their best to preserve the scenic reserves. He thought, in view of the fact that practically no damage was done to the reserve, a light fine would meet the case. Had he had any evidence of serious damage to the reserve, a more serious penalty would have been imposed. As it was he considered- he would deal leniently with Mounsey. On the charge of trespassing, defendant was fined £3 and costs Ils, and solicitor’s fee £1 Is, while on the charge of interfering with the scenic features he was convicted and ordered to pay costs, £7 Is 2d. On each of the other five charges Mounsey was convicted and discharged.