Three Men Fined For Game Act Offences

Northern Advocate, 5 September 1939, Page 9

Three Men Fined For Game Act Offences

"The society has had a great deal of difficulty because of pheasants and other game being- raffled in hotels, but last year these actions were efficiently stopped by the police. “There has been strong suspicion that the birds were kept in a cool store and brought out as they were required for these raffles." These statements were made by Mr J. F. S. Briggs, when appearing for the Whangarei Acclimatisation, Society ranger, who brought charges against three men in the Whangarei Court yesterday.

Jack Fisher was charged with having in his possession three native pigeons, with having native and imported game in a cold chamber for more than seven days after the close of the o]sen season, with failing to notify the society with full particulars of game in cool chamber, and with failing to keep a register.

Three Charges Withdrawn

Stating that the society felt Fisher had been used as a tool, Mr Briggs said he was prepared to withdraw three charges. He asked for a conviction on the charge relating to pigeons. Mr G. N. Morris, S.M., fined Fisher £2, with costs 10/, and solicitor’s fee £ll/. Parry North, for whom Mr L. J. H. Wright appeared, was charged with failing to notify the society of putting game in a cool chamber, and with having native game in a cool chamber for more than seven days after the close of the open season.

Best Shot in New Zealand

North (whom Mr Briggs described r.s probably the best shot in New Zealand) had shot a large number of birds, and did no'tT know how many he had in the store, said Mr WrigHt. Remarking that North should have known better and that he was not entitled to be treated leniently, the magistrate imposed a fine of £5, with 10/ costs, and solicitor’s fee £1 1/ on the first charge, and £l, with .10/ costs, and £ll/ solicitor’s fee on the second.

Peter Sheehan was charged with having in his possession three native pigeons and with killing three native pigeons.

Sheehan admitted killing the pigeons. He said he had put theirt in the cool chamber, and then forgotten about them, said Mr Briggs. The Magistrate: What I don’t understand is his leaving them there to go rotten.

Sheehan was lined £lO, with 10/ costs and solicitor’s fee £2 2/,

Sheehan was a married man with six young children, said Mr Wright, in asking for time for payment.

The magistrate allowed one month, arrangements to be made with the clerk of the court for any extension.