IGNORANCE OF LAW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 163, 13 July 1931, Page 8

IGNORANCE OF LAW.

FARMER AND HIS CATTLE

MAGISTRATE GRANTS PROBATION.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. This, Arthur Milton Campbell, aged 40. i farmer, discovered wli'cn he appeared --at the Police Court this morning. Accused, for whom Mr. Allan Moody appeared, was charged with obtaining £50, on September 3, by falsely representing that ,28 heifers were his own property. He was also charged, on October 19, with obtaining £4 by falsely representing that a bull was his own property.

Detective Sergeant Kelly said last year Campbell was farming _in the Rotorua district. Some of liis stock were subject of a bill of sale. He removed some of his stock to Puni. He had been declared a.bankrupt in 1927 and had not yet secured his discharge. "He. has never been up before and is regarded as a hard worker," added Mr. Kelly. "There is a possibility of restitution, amounting to £87, being made." ' Mr. Moody stated that Campbell forgot that the natural offspring of the cattle came under the bill of sale. Being unaware of the full provisions of the law lie had removed! and disposed of some of the stock. Campbell" had an excellent character and was at present sharemilking. He could make full restitution of £87 and he suggested that he might be placed on probation. "I have made inquiries into this •natter and I am satisfied it was not a case of deliberate fraud or the theft of cattle," said the probation officer, Mr. W. J. Campbell.

Accused was admitted to probation for two years and ordered to make restitution.