‘SOLD STRAY HEIFERS’

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30028, 12 January 1963, Page 12

‘SOLD STRAY HEIFERS’

Nine Months’ Imprisonment (N.Z. Press Association) HAMILTON, January 11. A sentence of nine months’ Imprisonment was imposed on Allan James Forbes, aged 29, a farm instructor of Hamilton, when he appeared before Mr L. M. Inglis, S.M., In the Hamilton Magistrate's Court for stealing eight heifers, valued at £144, the property of the Church College of New Zealand.

Mr J. D. Bathgate, appearing for Forbes, said the eight heifers had strayed on to the Church College farm at TuhiForbes had placed them in a paddock for a fortnight. A stock-taking was held and the tally was reported to be correct, not taking into account the eight heifers. Mr Bathgate said Forbes was responsible for having the heifers sold at an auction sale in his own name and he received the proceeds.

There was no furtive or underhand dealing. There were differences in the ear marks of the cattle on the farm.

Mr Bathgate said Forbes, a married man with four children, had made complete restitution. The college had been sending him to Tonga, but that arrangement had been cancelled.

Mr Inglis described the offence as a serious one, and could be regarded as theft as a servant. Taking into account Forbes* previous good character and the fact that he had made full restitution, the sentence would not be as severe as it otherwise would have been.