DRIVING STOCK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 143, 16 May 1930, Page 7

DRIVING STOCK.

DECISION OF MAGISTRATE. DISCUSSED BY FARMERS. Dissatisfaction with the decision recently given by Mr J. L. Etout, S.M., in tno Magistrate’s Court in a case, which was dismissed, against a car driver charged with negligence through striking the horse of Mr A. G. Collins while he was driving stock in the Green Lane Road, Kopane, was expressed at the meeting of the Dairy Farmers’ Union vesterday. Mr A. G. Collins waited upon the meeting and explained the circumstances. He stated that he had not taken up the matter in a vindictive spirit, but from the point of view of interest to all farmers. “For a decision of this sort to be a precedent against any of us who might have stock on the road is not right ; ” declared Mr N. Campbell (the chairman). “Mr Collins is not a drover, nnd was merely driving a few sheep along the road. We all know that the Magistrate can deal with human beings, but not all of us can deal with a dumb animal.” Another speaker stated that when motorists came tearing into his sheep nnd struck them, they usually said: “Why don’t you keep your stock off the road ” He always replied: “Why don’t you have some common-sense?” It had to be remembered that a cow or sheep was not the same as a human being. “It is really a serious decision, commented the chairman in referring to the Magistrate’s action. ' “If that is his decision then God help us with our stock,” declared Mr W. Richardson. “It is absolutely impossible to keep sheep on the right side of the road,” said Mr J. Dawson. “Why, it is ridiculous.” , . , , Mr L. Poupard moved that a legal opinion be obtained to ascertain if an appeal against the Magistrate’s decision was warranted. Mr P. J. Small moved as an amendment that information be obtained concerning the stock by-laws applicable to the circumstances of the case. Mr Boyce said that it was absolutely unreasonable to state that stock should he kept on the right side of the road. “The man with 400 or 600 sheep has not a dog’s chance,” he added. It wa6 decided to consult the county stock regulations