ALLEGED TRESPASS

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10691, 10 August 1912, Page 5

ALLEGED TRESPASS

I.N PURSUIT OF GAME. In the Magistrate's Court at Carterton tlirec Mastertor. voung men—H. Miller, T. TJpston, and J. Catt were charged with that between May 31st and June 2nd they did. commit trespass whilst in pursuit of same, o» the property of Messrs )' east Lros, at the Wairarapa Lake. Mr.Maunsell appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr Pragnell, of Masterton, for defendants. In opening his case Mr Maunsell said that plaintiffs' property adjoined the Wairarapa Lake, and that defendants had gone shooting thereon without leave or license. When accosted at a whare, which they had broken open, and at which two dead swans had been found, accused admitted they were trespassing, hut claimed the acquaintanceship of Mr Feast. Counsel contended that the trespass was an impudent- one, and though the plaintiffs did not press for a severe penalty. they desired to impress upon offenders that private rights must he respected. Mr Prngnell did not call any evidence for the defence, submitting that the charge was not proved, inasmuch as' that although the defendants admitted trespass, they were not tresoassing in pursuit of game. Xo evidence had been adduced to show whether the swans were native or imported. His Worship disagreed, stating that the class of game shot was immaterial —defendants had trespassed, and that was sufficiently proved. Each was fined 10s. with court costs lis, witnesses expenses 17« Id. solicitor's fee £1 Is—a total of £3 10s 4d.