SHEEP-STEALING,

Temuka Leader, Issue 2225, 9 July 1891, Page 4

SHEEP-STEALING,

At the K.M. Court, Timaru, last Tuesday, before C. A. Wray, Esq., H.M., David Campbell, settler at Mount Nessing, Albury, Avas charged Avith having stolen 53 sheep, valued at £2l, the property of Mr 1). McLeod, of Geraldine. Mr Kaymond appeared for the accused, Avho pleaded not guilty. Mr McLeod gave evidence to the effect that in July, 1890, he obtained perpetual-lease land at OpaAva, near Mount Nessing, and adjoining Campbell's land. Put on it 1000 sheep, Avhich he afterwards sold to Mr D. Shaw, of Geraldine, but 12.9 of them Avere missing. Disposed of the land to Mr A. H. Smith. Had the sheep branded. Could not say for certain Avhether accused knew his (Avitness’s) earmark. Loth brands, TF and D 7, were quite distinct on the sheep. Tea of the sheep outside the court hud

accused’s brand, “ 64,” on top of his. and the-earmark altered from a slit to a back .quarter, by cutting (off the .half tip on the back side of the old slit. Had altered one earmark in this way himself; now both ears were quartered. (A skin was here produced supposed to . bear -the three brands, but the witness could not distinguish them.) Robert Rutherford and J. Gillespie gave evidence as to finding some of McLeod’s sheep amongst the prisoner’s sheep; found 53 of McLeod’s sheep in Campbell’s yard. He admitted to Mr Rutherford he had made a mess of things, but said he would not like to admit it before Gillespie, the shepherd. Gillespie said to him, “ There is a sheep of McLeod’s with your earmark on,” but he made no reply.

Several other witnesses were examined, and all the evidence pointed in the direction of the prosecution. The accused reserved his defence, and was committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court to be held at O.amaru, bail being allowed, himself in £2OO and two sureties of £l6O each.