MAGISTRATE'S' COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1931, Page 2

MAGISTRATE'S' COURT

LKEYMOUTH, March 21. At the Magistralu’k Court yesterday before Mr W, Moklrum S.M., charged, that, on February If), at Kotuku, he wrs in possession of eleven sheepskins, from which the o-ars had bean removed, contrary to the Slaughtering and Inspection Act, 1.938, Lawrence Foster Martin pleaded guilty. Detective-Sergeant Holmes stated that the information was laid under Section 44 (d) of the Act, which wa-f very useful a-iid imnort-aiit, so far at the disappearance of stock was con ccriicd. Struggling farmers in tic neighbourhood had been losing sheep Irom time to time. While making enquiries regarding another matter, the police found the sheepskins in Martin’s possession. When questioned, lie .said that he could only ascribe it to carelessness. Martin had been warned in November last about removing the ears. He was not like a struggling fanner who had no knowledge of such things, as lie had been an hotelkeeper and ran a store. A .substantial penalty was asked for. The fences were not very good in the neighbourhood, and considerable expense was incurred in tracing stock. When skins from which the cars had been removed we re found in possession of the neighbour, a great amount of suspicion was c-a-st upon him.

defendant stated that, had hc known what -attitude the police intended to take, lip would have sought counsel’s advice before pleading. Under the circumstances, 1)0 would like -an adjournment; Tile B.M. : What do you Want an adjournment for? Defendant; Inasmuch as the police are trying to bring in the matter of stock being lost about the district, and suspicion is cast upon me. The S.M. : You have, yourself to blame fo r that. You cut the ears off tho skins. Martin said that hc did not- know it was necessary to leave the ears on thc ■skins. He had killed two sheep since November. He was not a butcher, and knew nothing about, the skinning of sheep. He only killed for his own use. Detective-Sergeant Holmes said that he had no objection to an adjournment, and this was granted for a fortnight. “Thank you sir.” said Martin.