SHEEP-THEFT CHARGES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29516, 18 May 1961, Page 20

SHEEP-THEFT CHARGES

Man Pleads Not

Guilty

(N.Z Press Association) NAPIER. May 18

When he attended a muster if sheep on the farm of John Douglas Ovens, aged 49. of Porangahau. Ovens had pointed out some ‘sheep which belonged to neighbouring farmers, a prosecution witness. Maxwell Charles Ockenden, said in evidence in the Supreme Court. Napier, this afternoon.

Ovens is standing trial on 16 charges of sheep stealing to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Mr Justice McGregor is presiding. Mr R. G. Gallen represents the Crown and Mr H. W. Dowling, with him Mr A. K. Monagan, is appearing for Ovens.

Ovens, a client of his firm, had sent 57 sheep for sale at the Waipukurau saleyards on February 21, said Ockenden. head of the stock department of the Hawke’s Bay Farmers' , Association, Ltd.. Waipukurau. Witness said he had withdrawn the consignment from the sale without speaking to Ovens.

Ockenden said he rang Ovens and informed him of the action taken.

On February 25, witness ?® :d ' . he . went to Ovens’s homestead farm block and to a block run by accused near Porangahau Beach. Sheep were mustered on each block. aLx 70 • sh^ ep were identified by neighbouring farmers as belonging to them. The hearing, expected to occupy till Friday, is eo n . tinuing.