TAKING DUCK OUT OF SEASON

Evening Star, Issue 22326, 30 April 1936, Page 13

TAKING DUCK OUT OF SEASON

RANGERS' GOMiCiLIARY VISIT OBSTRUCTION AND ASSAULT ALLEGED [Pek United Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, April 29. The Magistrate’s Court was occupied all day to-day with the hearing of charges of assault and obstruction against Louis Fosbender, of New River Ferry, and his wife, Margaret Fosbender. The charges arose out of a visit by rangers of the Southland Acclimatisation Society to the Fosbenders’ home on the evening of April 23 to search for grey duck alleged to have been taken out of season. It was stated that while at the Fosbenders the rangers, who were accompanied by a constable, were obstructed in their duty, and during a scuffle between the parties a ranger, Mr Duncan, was struck on the head and arm by a blow from a stick carried by Fosbender, and Constable Cromie was struck on the head with a stick carried by Mrs Fosbender. Only one duck was found in the search, but it was stated in evidence that there were more in the house. Fosbender was also charged with taking grey duck out of season. Halfway through the evidence for the defence, Mr G. F. Reed, counsel for the defendants, stated that he wished to alter the original pleas of not guilty to guilty. The charge of obstruction was withdrawn, and fines totalling £26 2s were imposed.