HASTINGS S.M. COURT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11127, 20 January 1899, Page 4

HASTINGS S.M. COURT.

Thubsdat, January 19. [Before Messrs C. A. Fitzßoy and C. Hughes, J.'sP.] TRUANCY. Mr A'Doane, truant officer, laid a charge against a resident under the Education Act for failing to send his child to school. A fine of 10s, with costs 4s, was inflicted. RAILWAY BYE-LAWS. T. H. Lloyd was charged with getting into a train at Hastings Whilst it was in motion. Mr W. J. White, who appeared on behalf of the accused, pleaded guilty, but urged extenuating circumstances. A fine of ss, with costs 9s, was inflicted. UNREGISTERED DOOS. James Neary was charged by Alfred Knight, the registrar of dogs for the borough, wi^h having had three dogs in his possession which had not been duly registered. The evidence of the registrar showed that on being questioned the defendant first stated that he had two dogs which he was going to register at Falmerston, as he was leaving Hastings. Afterwards he prevaricated and refused to give any information, telling Knight to find out. Knight went to his house and saw a child; who said her father had three dogs. Knight met the defendant; after this, and the latter said he would j break Knight's head if he went near ' the house again. The defendant on oath denied using threatening language, and Baid that he only had two dogs. He would have paid the fees, bat work had been scarce. ' The Bench, said that the defendant had brought ffie trouble on himself. If ho 1 had wanted time the registrar would no doubt have given it if he had been civil, but he has been guilty of rude and abusive conduct The Borough officer had a by no means pleasant duty to perform, and the Bench would support him in doing it. A fine of 5s for each dog, 7s costs, and the registration foe for three dogs, 2s 6d each, must be paid. On Neary's application the Bench allowed him 14 days in which to pay the amount.

ILLEGALLY RESCUING OATTLE, Henry Nelson was charged with rescuing and interfering with cattle being impounded by the borough ranger. Mr W. J. White, appeared for the prosecution. f " d . Knight, deposed that on the 1o .a December he found a number of oattte grazing on the Riverslea-road. He W&n't after them, and saw the defendant working in a paddock, but about ten chains away. When the latter saw him he came out and went to the cattle with his dog and tried to take charge. Witness endeavored to get the cattle away, but was finally unable to do so owing to the action of the defendant. Nelson made use of very offensive and threatening language, saying that if he met witness after dark he would put a bullet through his head. Frederick Cook, road overseer, deposed to seeing the cattle on the road and Nelson working in the paddock about 12 chains from the cattle.

H. Nelson, sworn, said that he worked for Mr H. Limmer. He admitted that the cattle were on the road, but said that he had them in charge. The ranger galloped past him and headed the cows. He used no bad language until the ranger cursed and swore at him, and denied using any threat with regard to shooting. He had never handled a gun in his life. If the ranger had been civil he would probably have let him have the cattle.

A. Knight was recalled, and emphatically denied using any bad language. The Bench said this was a very bad case, using threatening language to a man whilst doing his duty. The cattle had no right to be herded on the road. They would impose a fine of .£5, and costs lls, witnesses' expenses 7s,