STRUGGLE WITH GUN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23157, 1 October 1938, Page 20

STRUGGLE WITH GUN

TWO FARMERS AT. GRIPS SHOOTING OF PARADISE DUCK [by telegraph OWN correspondent] TIMARU, Friday The story of a struggle between two men near St. Andrews, one of whom was carrying a loaded, shotgun, was told to Mr. H. Morgan, S.M., at a sitting of the Magistrate's Court yesterday, when John Edward Blank, a farmer, was charged with having killed an absolutely protected bird, a paradise duck. Evidence was given to the effect that a duck was seen to fall to the ground and to be picked up by defendant after being retrieved by his dog. William Allen, a farmer, said that on hearing a shot ho went toward Blank's property -and found Blank with a duck. Blank told witness that it was a dirty trick to 1 catch him the way he did. Defendant wanted to take the duck away, but Witness would not let him. Blank said in evidence that ho did not shoot the duck. He saw two bird's flying over his head, one of which was crying out as if it had been injured. It fell and witness' dog retrieved it. Allen flew at his throat and said that he would choke witness. The gnn was loaded and Was lying across witness. The magistrate said that he was satisfied that Blank had shot the duck and fined him £5, and ordered him to pay costs.