BARBED-WIRE FENCES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2052, 29 May 1890, Page 4

BARBED-WIRE FENCES.

During the last few months we have often been requested to state whether the use of barbed wire on fences on public roads is legal, or whether, if damage were sustained by stock or person, the owner of fences thus guarded might be made responsible for the damage. A question of that character has been received, and is briefly replied to in our “ Yeoman ” column. It is evident also, from the frequent mention of this question in country papers, that ere long it will press for solution. Up to the present time it has not come before an Australian court, but in Englaad complaints of damage to clothing have been frequent, and in one case at least a decision has been given. In the Justice of the Peace for December 21st, 1889, appears a report of proceedings taken in the Manchester County Court against an occupier of property adjoining a public footpath, where a barbed wire fencing had been erected, to recover damages, £2, through an overcoat being torn by coming in contact with the fence.' The Judge decided that persons had no right to erect this kind of fence to the danger of the public, and gave judgment for the plaintiff for the amount claimed. A few months ago a correspondent suggested in our columns that by putting one or more barbed wires inside the fence, whilst plain wires were put on the side next the road, every useful purpose would be served without risk of injuring persons or stock upon the highway. More will doubtless be heard on the subject.—Australasian.