BRANDING CASE.

Northern Advocate, 22 February 1911, Page 5

BRANDING CASE.

Geoffrey Hunter (Mr Carruth) was charged with branding cattle with a brand registered as belonging to oris of defendant's neighbors. It transpired that defendant's brand had been an II set in a U, and that the latter portion had been broken off, making an H brand, which was registered as a brand in the district. It was admitted that the irregularity in tranding had not been done wilfully, and that the case had been brought as a warning to stock owners. The law set down es the penalty a 10s fine and a minimum of 6d per head for all .animals wrongly branded. Defendant was convicted and fined "jOs. - A RACECOURSE AFFRAY. Told Johnson, a Maori, and Isaac Sampson were both charged with using threatening behaviour at the Hukerenui races on January 10th. Johnson was further charged with using obscene language on the same occasion. Constable Douglas had arrested both •.the defendants for fighting at the races, Johnson having been giving Sampson a good trouncing.. In reply to Mr Edmunds, who appeared for Johnson, Constable Douglas stated that as far as he knew defendant formerly had the reputation of a sober, upright, and industrious man. Sampson had informed witness that the origin of the fight had been thnt ike Maori had called him "Amy Bock." Fred Archer, who knew neither man previously, stated that Johnson and another man, using obscene language, had passed Sampson, who was standnig near witness. Sampson requested Johnson to mind what he was saying, as there were ladies in close proximity. Johnson became abusive, and ised.more strong language, when Sampson punched him, and was in his turn promptly knocked down. The charge against Sampson was dismissed. Johnson said that Sampson came up and asked him and a friend what they were talking about, and was told to go about his business. Sampson then "became abusive and called out that "he would not soil his hands on the black hound." When the witness returned, Sampson struck him first, and then defendant fought Sampson and gave him a good hiding. Fred Rowley denied almost all Archer's evidence. Johnson was convicted and fined 403 en the charge of creating a disturbance, and the charge of obscene language was dismissed. • CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. Robert Martin was enargetf with •Ci-uelty to a horse by riding it on February Bth while it had a sore back. L. Robertshaw, acting poundkeeper, liad noticed the horse being ridden, had examined it, found the back to have two large sores on it, and had, then reported the matter to the por '.IJ.ee.-. When Constable Horan accompanied him hack to where the horse had been, both horse and rider had disappeared. Subsequently Martin had shown him another horse, which defendant alleged was his only horse. • *i he horse which was then shown him, Mr Robertshaw alleged to have been a substitute. Defendant was fined 40s and costs, si month being allowed for payment. . A FRIENDLY ACTION. G. Halliday (Mr L. T .Pickmere) ,Mied P. J. Mulhern (Mr Harrison) lor the recovery of £18 11s, most of ■which was for goods admitted to have, "been bought by E. J. Mulhern. George Halliday said that he had -delivered all the articles set forth in the claim amounting to £18 11s. About £15 worth had been delivered to E. J. Mulhern. The latter had given him to understand, as P. J. Mulhern also had, that P. J. Mulhern •would answer for the debts incurred "by his brother. Defendant now disputed having to pay for his brother's debts. As far as witness was concerned he would be satisfied as long as lie got the goods back in lieu of the noney. All the money; except £2 9s for which P. J. Mulhern had got value personally, was owing for goods supplied to E. J. Mulhern. l His Worship said he thought it was ■yery hard on Mr Halliday that he should not be paid for the goods which had been supplied. The case was adjourned until next Court day in order that a settlement might be arrived at, or E. J. Mulhern fee procured as a defendant.