NEWCASTLE IMPOUNDING CASE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3110, 21 June 1892, Page 2

NEWCASTLE IMPOUNDING CASE.

A strange and complex caso of cattle impounding was resorted to here a few days ago, which has not only occasioned much unfavourable comment in this district, but, tho matter having such a startling appearance, the parties most aflected are taking steps to bring the case into the Magistrate's Court in order to abate a nuisance which might have the effect nf enupfner pndle«s tnuble. It is said that Mr Robert Fleinmincf, n settler living near Nfr.iruawahia, had leased a piece of laud near Whatawhata, tho fence of which is in n very indifferent state of repair. Mr li'lemming and his sou rode up from Ngoruawaliia on Monday morning, loth inst., and, finding six head of cattle in his leasehold section, said to a person standing by that he would drive them to the Hamilton pound, which is a distance of about seven milos from where the cattle were trespassing. With the assistance of his son, Mr Fleinming had the cattle driven on to the road ; but instead of taking them to the pound, he h;id them driven in the opposite direction, a distance of about nine miles, to his place of residence near Ngarnawahia. He enclosed tho cattle at this place, which is about sixteen miles from the pound by the road they were driven. The owner of the cattle (Mr Fitzgerald), in the meantime having heard of the course they were driven, quickly followed up the track, and found them as above stated, Mr Flamming's son had the cattle ip charge, with a guu in his possession, and refused U> give them up when I demanded ; but tho boy's father, who made his appearance soon after, said he would let the cattle go if paid nine shillings, and not otherwise. Mr Fitzgerald paid the money under protest, and took possession of his cattle. It is said that no case like the present one of cattle impounding has taken place in this district since ISS3, when that remarkable case of impounding Messrs Jones' and Livingstone's cattle caused such a sensation at that tiire. Although the above case is rather an unpleasant one to have to record, there are some few people to be found who, either through charity or foeling inclined for a joke, say that the late froak may bn attributed to tho influence of tho full moon morn tlmn to anything else ; bub whother this is so or not, it must bo borne in mind th.at thnro is a law that deals with peoplo affected in this way, as well as thero is one for other objectionable offence , !. It is thought if this system of driving cattle through the county enclosing them in a place miles nway from where they were found trespassing, instead of taking them to the pound by the nearest road, where they would be advertised, can be practised with impunity and blackmail demanded', the hardship would become unbearable as the mileage fees for driving would be unlimited. —(Communicated).