THE RABBIT ACT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3648, 25 October 1890, Page 2

THE RABBIT ACT.

' A&otior ProsMUtloa- . : Mr Renall "WrotJi. ' Mr Alfred W.Benallwas charged by Inspector Maoliay, before Colonel Roberts, R,M, yesterday, with failing to tnke adequate steps to destroy rabbits on his property at Te Whiti. Mr Bunny appeared for the prosecution, . . Mr Eenall said lie had been previously prosecuted and fined for land which was in hia name,. but which he never occupied, Ho had since transferred it. Mr Bunny maintained, that proof of transfer would have to be produced, Mr Renall offered to call either of the Inspectors to prove the transfer, ' Mr Bunny: But we want the registration of the transfer, Mr Eenall: IThe transfer is now in the hands of Mr Pownall.. Mr Bunny: The transfers are valueless unless registered, The defendant is prosecuted as owner of the land. Mr Eenall (pathetically): But are you not ashamed to proseoute an old man like me. I have nob beijn oh the property for twonty years. lam too old'to look aftei it. It is a persecution, I say, and not a prosecution, Mr Bunny: The defondaut appears to be very, wroth over— Mr Eenall: lam wroth. Mr Bunny: Wo itavo nothing to do with that. The Inspector has a duty to perform, Mr Renall: Yes, he inflicts an atrocious injustice. ■ His Worship here interposed and stated lie could not allow this altorcation to continue. Mr Eenall: I cannot stand this' persecution, it is shamoful, Mr Bunny:l will oall Inspector Mookay, Mr.Renall: I'll admit what he has to say. , Mr Bunny: Then I trust your "Worship will inflict such a penalty as will move the defendant to take steps to clear his laud. Mr Eenall: Yes, you may rather move me to the cemetery. Inspector Mackay, sworn, deposed that on tlie 28th August a notice was served on Mr Eenall, Witness found the rabbits numerous on the 19th when ho visited the land, After the 28th he again visited the property and found the rabbits l still more numerous, Believed that Mr Renall had received the notice which had been posted, On the 18th October lie found rabbits numerous close to the house, No rabbit proof fence was erected, and the rabbits could get on to other land. Complaints had been lodged with the Board, The proper steps had not, in his opinion,-been taken, though traces of poison were visible. To Mr Eenall: Mr Grant made the complaint. .Found the rabbits less numerous after serving notice on Mr Grant.

In answer to the Bench Mr Eenall said he could make no defence, as he had transferred the land, and had no control over it, and had not had for twenty years past. If the Court would allow the case to Btand over till next 0 ourc day, he would see his people, and see what they had done. Mr Bunny asked the Court to deal with the case, and then Mr Renall might apply for mitigation if he liked, His Worship decided to adopt this course, and inflicted a fine of £2, and 7s costs.

Mr' lienall gave notice that he would apply for mitigation at the next sitting.