SPORTSMEN IN SANCTUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21253, 5 August 1932, Page 14

SPORTSMEN IN SANCTUARY

LEGAL POINTS RAISED THREE DEFENDANTS CONVICTED [from our own correspondent] TAUKANGA, Thursday Three Europeans wero charged in the Magistrate's Court with taking dogs and guns into a gamo sanctuary at Welcome Bay on the Tauranga-To I'uko Road. Counsel for defendants contended there was not a proper description of the sanctuary in tho Gazette, and also that the absence of tho consent of one of tho owners of the area was fatal to tho gazetting of tho area as a sanctuary. Tho magistrate, Mr. S. L. Paterson, said tho area was capable of being identified, and ho held that the proclamation was valid. As regards the question of consent of the owner, ho held that tho Governor-General had the power to declare sanctuaries. It appeared that the men did not know they were on a sanctuary and thoy would bo convicted and ordered to pay costs. Counsel intimated ho would appeal and asked the magistrate to sta,to a case for appeal. Two Maoris were charged with pursuing imported game out of season and each was fined £5 on each of two charges, with costs, £1 19s 6d. Another Maori .was fined £5 and costs for pursuing pheasants without having a licence. Ho 6aid he had permission to shoot on tho property, but tho magistrate said permission must be given in writing.