STOLEN GOLD CUPS

Evening Star, Issue 22576, 18 February 1937, Page 10

STOLEN GOLD CUPS

COWMAN OH TRIAL ' ALLEGED HANGING REHEARSAL ' [Pee United' Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, February 18. The sequel to the disappearance from Burwood Station last August of four valuable racing trophies was heard , in the Supreme Court, when Richard Frederick Martyn, cowman and gardener, employed by Hazlett brothers, was charged with the theft of the trophies, four gold cups, the property of Mr W. T. Hazlett, valued at £750, which, when found six months after removal, were badly damaged _ andbroken. Mr Justice Kennedy presided, Mr H. J. Macalister represented the Crown, and Mr G. J. Reed appeared for accused, who pleaded not guilty. Lengthy evidence was heard concerning the disappearance of the cups from the, homestead while the owner!s. sons were absent at Christchurch, .and subsequent efforts to recover the trophies. John S. Hazlett said that on January 13 he heard an argument in the men’s huts and subsequent investigation disclosed that the cups had been recovered in damaged condition from a plantation of trees on the property. Witness detailed subsequent happenings, after which evidence was heard from several station employees, in the course of which reference was made to an alleged attempt at hanging the accused, whose hands were tied at the back and a rope placed round his neck and thrown over a tree. Accused then gave in and said he would show, the hiding place of the cups, which were recovered as previously mentioned. The jury retired at 1.15 to consider its verdict.