FARMERS’ OBLIGATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1930, Page 9

FARMERS’ OBLIGATIONS

NOTICE OF REMOVING SHEEP t \ UNUSUAL CASE AT WANGANUI. FAILURE TO GIVE NOTICE ALLEGED By Telegraph.—Press’ Association. Wanganuij September 25. An unusual case of interest to farmers came ,before the Wanganui Court this morning when Keith Aitkin, a farm overseer, ’ was 'charged tlmt, while being the occupier of land' at Parihauhau known, as the Darcy Estate, he mustered and yarded sheep fbr removal and failed t© give due notice ito the occupiers of adjoining land, ; ■ ” Detective Revell, who conducted the case, said there was no suggestion of dishonesty. Fat sheep numbering 271 were drafted and handed over to |. a drover, wild later on the road found several. neighbours! ? 'Sheep in the mob. Farmers, addpd .the, detective, committed j, similar breaches daily,-and the case was brought to warn them' of their obligations. • ■ A. Barton, for^O'defence, said Aitken visited, the fajmi .only about twice a year, rHe asked-that no conviction be recorded, as Aitken was an 110n* est man. Cpiinser Contended-, that the information had not been properly laid. The Act stated that any stock, inspector / or person interested or owner could lay an information,/but .this. Aid hot .mean an outsider or a detective. The magistrate (Mr. J. H. Salmon): “The Act says ‘or other person interested:’ Is not a police officer interested ia upholding the law?” Mr, Barton: “We ar& all interested in that respect.” ■ a i The magistrate: “You contend that a person means interested in the land?” ■ ■ 'Mr. Barton: “Yes.” ■ The magistrate: “If the detective abandons the ease, that does not help . you, for a stock inspector could lay the •Mr. Salmon reserved ,his decision in orderi ito/refer to authorities.