IMPOUNDING LAW.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2396, 7 December 1881, Page 3

IMPOUNDING LAW.

To the Editor of the Globe.

Sir, —Will you allow me space in your valuable columns to reply to the remarks the Resident Magistrate, made In reference to me as pound-keeper, in connection with the case of Crabtree, charged with horse stealing. The facta are these—l am appointed pound-keeper by the Heathcota Road Board, and gazetted as such by the County Council of Selwyn. It makes no matter who brings eattle to the pound, I am bound to take them in, and have the poundbook signed by the person impounding. I never authorised the accused, Crabtree, or any other person, to impound for me. The Magistrate is made to say that it was' illegal to take cattle tethered off the roads. I would beg leave to call the attention of the B.M. to the 4th clause of the Canterbury Trespass of Cattle Ordinance, adopted by the Counties Act, and which is now in force. The section reads thus: —“If any cattle shall be at any time) found 'straying in or lying about any street, thoroughfare, highway, or other public place or across any part thereof, or shall be found tethered in any street, thoroughfare, highway, or other public place, so as to obstruct the same, it shall be lawful for any person to drive the same to the nearest pound, and the owner thereof shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding 405.” Now, sir, |it is obvious that no powers are required except that derived under the Act. In conclusion, I beg to say that so long as I remain poundkeeper, I shall continue to impound cattle, day or night, notwithstanding any remarks from the Bench, or any interference of the police, so long as I am acting according to law. Yours, &c>, Alex. Buebowes, Heathcote Pound, December 6th, 1881,