RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1387, 3 September 1885, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Temuka—Wednesday, Sept 2, 1885,

[Before J. Res wick, Esq., R.M.J UNREGUSTKBBD DOO. Eobert Latimer was fined 10s for having an unregistered dog in his possession. STRAY CATTLE. Charles Bishop was fined 5s for allowing a horse belonging to him to wander at large. SHOOTING A FOWL. John Malcolmson was charged, on the information of John Mclnness, with having shot a hen belonging to him.

John Mclnness, the complainant, stated that he saw accused come out of his house and fire off a gun. He saw a white hen flapping her wings. Did not not know whether the bird was his or not until a man named Urawfwrd afterwards picked it up and asked whether it belonged to bim. The hen was on Greenaway's section when shot. It died.

The defendant admitted having shot the hen. It was on his section.

James Crawford was then called, and said he found the hen near his fowlhouse. It was shot and bleeding. lie did not see the accused shoot it, John Malcolmson said fowls had been damaging his place, and he had warned owners that he would shoot them. The fowl in question was on hie section when shot.

His Worship said he had no right t> shoot the fowl. He would fine him 2s, Is 6d for the fowl and 6d fine.

Mr Aspinall pointed out that the law gave accused power to shoot fowls, goats or pigs trespassing on his land. His Worship said as such was the law he would dismiss the case altogether. Fowls were a great nuisance, and people ought to keep them from trespassing rn their neighbors, J >hn Malcolmson wae further eharged by the same complainant with having neglected to report to the police that he had shot the fowl.

His Worship said the complainant removed the fowl before 24 hours, and consequently there was no necessity for him to report the matter. the complainant said this nas a different case altogether. This was a rooster, and h» left it there for 24 hours after it was shot.

His Worship said the complainant knew the fowl had been shot arid could have taken it away. The object of giving notice was to let people know what had become of their property. The case was dismissed. THREATENING LANGUAGE!. John Malcolmson was further charged by John Mclnness with having used threatening language to him. John Mclnness said defendant shot a fancy bird belonging to him, and when witness asked him about it he aaid ho would kick his -—<~ His Worship : Is that all. Witness: "Yes, Your Worship. His Worship : The case is dismissed. CIVIL CASE. Judgment by default was given in the cases of the Temuka Linseed Oil, Cake, and Fibre Manufacturing Company r. W. Hobbs—Claim £ls 7s 6d, and the same v. M. O'Connor—Claim ;612 6s.

Mr Aspinall appeared for the Company in both cases. F. Whiter. G. Merodith.

Mr Aspinall said the defendant had filed, and it was useless to go on with the case.

The case was conaeguently struck out.

The Court then adjourned.