BREACH OF FIREARMS ACT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25444, 27 January 1944, Page 7

BREACH OF FIREARMS ACT

CASE IN MAGISTRATE’S COURT

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday A. J. Trewhella was charged with delivering possession of a firearm to Hugh Mulcahy, and Hugh Mulcahy was charged with procuring possession of a firearm from A. J. Trewhella, neither having a permit to do so. Trewhella, who was represented by Mr A. R. Tait, pleaded guilty, but there was no appearance of Mulcahy. Detective Sergeant G. Taylor, for the police, stated that Trewhella was looking after another person’s falace, and. owing to damage being done by rabbits to the garden, he took possession of the owner’s .22 rifle without authority. Owing to his failing eyesight, Trewhella interviewed Mulcahy about shooting the rabbits,- and "Mulcahy agreed to do this. It was probable, said the detective sergeant, that Trewhella did not know the provisions of the Firearms Act, and the police did not press for a penalty. Mr Tait said the facts were as stated by by the police. Mulcahy had shot 12 rabbits, Mr Bundle said he would treat it as a case of carelessness. Probably Trewhella did not appreciate the seriousness of taking possession of the rifle. Considering all the facts, Trewhella would be convicted and discharged. Mr Bundle said the charge against Mu.lcahy was" one for which the defendant must appear in court. He adjourned the case until February 8, Mulcahy to be notified that he must appear in court, failing which a warrant would be issued.