THIRD DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1937, Page 3

THIRD DAY.

ELDERLY FARMER'S TRIAL CATTLE STEALING DENIED. The hearing of four charges of cattle stealing against Arthur Keginni Phillies, aged 01. farmer, of Omanaia, North Auckland, reached tlia third day this morning before Mr. Justice Callan at the Supreme Court. The value of the cattle alleged to have been stolen by the accused was £20. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is represented by Mr. Wylie, of Kaikolie, Mr. V. N. Hubble appearing for the Crown.

An important witness called by the Crown was Dick Pehi, a Maori labourer at Taheke. He said that two black heifers he had acquired from E. B. Taylor, a station owner, he subsequently saw 011 a road at Waima. The heifers appeared to be carrying accused's brand, and when questioned Phillips said he had bought the heifers at the Kaikohe Sale. Witness took possession of the heifers, and was later told by accused he would get into serious trouble unless he returned them within two hours. Pehi replied that he had seen the police about the matter.

Pehi also said that in October he recognised another beast 011 Phillips' property as his, and also a Jersey bull and Jersey heifer as belonging to his mother. He took possession of the cattle.

In cross-examination witness admitted that about two years ago he had been convicted of cattle stealing. Constable F. Duddy gave evidence of inquiries made by him into complaints of stolen cattle.

Opening the case for the defence Mr. Wvlie said he would call a number of witnesses to show that the cattle which formed the subject of the charges against tlie accused had been legitimately acquired by him. It is unlikely the case will conclude to-day.