MUSTERING OF STOCK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 16

MUSTERING OF STOCK.

FAILURE TO NOTIFY NEIGHBOURS.

AN UNUSUAL PROSECUTION. WANGANUI, September 25.

A case of unusual interest to farmers caine before the magistrate (Mr J. H. Salmon) this morning, when Keith Aitken, farm overseer, was charged with, at Parihauhau, being the occupier of land known as the D’Arcy Estate, he did

must and yard sheep for removal, and did fail to give due notice to the occupiers of adjoining land. Detective Revell, who conducted the case, said there was no suggestion of dishonesty. Two hundred and seventy fat sheep were drafted and handed over to a drover. Later, on the road, it was found that several of the neighbours’ sheep were in the mob. Farmers, added the detective, committed similar breaches daily, and the case was brought to warn them of their obligations. Mr A. A. Barton, for the defence, said that Aitken visited- the farm only about twice a year. He asked that no conviction be recorded, as the accused was honest, and he contended that the information had not been properly laid. The Act stated that any stock inspector or person interested, or an owner, could lay an information, but this did not mean an outsider, or a detective. The Magistrate: The Act says “or other person interested.” He asked was not a police officer interested in upholding the law.

Mr Barton: We are all interested in that respect. The magistrate: You contend that a person interested means interested in the land ? Counsel: Yes.

The magistrate: If the detective abandons the case it does not help you, for the stock inspector could lay an information.

He then reserved his decision in order to look up authorities.