FODDER FOR STARVING CATTLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2849, 21 October 1908, Page 8

FODDER FOR STARVING CATTLE.

DEFRAUDING THE RAILWAY DEPARTMENT. , Alexander Stevenson, a farmer at Bal*clutha, was charged before Mr Kenrick, S.M:, on the 15th with making a false declaration on Septembei 12, with a. view of enabling him to convey certain fodder for cattle (a truck-load of turnips) free of charge on the Government railways from Baloluthe to Otokia, ■ where his eister keep» a farm. The declaration alleged that owing to the recent floods and bad weather experienced about the Taieri Plain Miss Stevenson's cattle were in a state of starvation, and hence defendant, it was alleged, had taken advantage of the concession made* by the Government to enable fodder to-be carried free under such circumstances. Mr Stewart, of Bafchitha, appeared fop defendant, who pleaded "Not guilty." Mr Macassey represented the Railway Department, and outlined the facts of thecase. William C. Palmer, of Otokia, who waa called by Mr Macaseey, gave evidence toshow that Miss Stevenson's farm was nob in any way affected by the recent floods on the Taieri Plain, it being on high land. In cross-examination he 'stated- that the only way Mies Stevenson could be affected by the floods was by haying to go a greater distance than the Ta-ieri Piarh to procure fodder for her cattle. For the defence, Mr Stewart called hi» . client, who said he had, had a communication from his eister to the effect that her cattle were starving, and asking him to send food for them. Janet Stevenson, of Otokia, was also called as a witness, and stated she had communicated, with her brother (the defendant), ' and told Him, her. cattle were starving, andl asked -him to send her some food for them. . In cross-examination ehe admitted that; the . cattle were really in want of food before the floods occurred at all at the . TaieJu', „ and that ehe had very little focd on the - place for them during the last two years owing to the dry seasons experienced. Mr Stewart submitted that the by-law

tmoer which the information was laid was bad on account of it s unreasonableness. • Mr Maoassey contended, in answer, that the by-law was good and reasonable. The Magistrate upheld this contention, find fined defendant 20s and costs (£4 2s).