CHANGE OF EVIDENCE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 109, 9 May 1923, Page 6

CHANGE OF EVIDENCE

ALLEGED "RINGING IN" OF A TROTTER.

<»T IH.MBAM.—PREM AS!»CIATION.)

DUNEDIN, This Day. There was a surprise at the hearing yesterday afternoon of . the charge against James Proctor Nicholson, who pleaded not guilty of false pretences in connection with the alleged ringing-in of the trotting mare Dora Derby. The surprise was in regard to a change of evidence by the chief witness, Archibald Campbell Sim, who had already pleaded guilty to a similar charge. Sim Btated that he bought the mare for £25, and he and Nicholson arranged to buy a better mare resembling the first one, Dora Derby being selected. To complete the resemblance Dora Derby's tail was docked, and her ear was split. The first horse purchased was then destroyed. Witness further stated that his brother sold the first mare to a drover, but she was got back and destroyed because rumours were, afloat. Witness was 1 proceeding to describe the drover, when his Honour said: "You had better not emulate Nicholson in his description of the imaginary Davis. Was there any such man as the drover?" After hesitation, witness answered in the negative, reaffirming, however, that the mare was dead, having been shot by him last February. The case was adjourned till this morning.