“RINGING-IN” CASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17036, 9 May 1923, Page 1

“RINGING-IN” CASE.

LYING WITNESS STOPPED BY JUDGE. THE DORA DERBY CASE. (Per Press Association, , DUNEDIN, May 9. There was a surprise in the hearing yesterday afternoon or a charge against James Proctor Nicholson, who pleaded not guilty to iaise pretences in connection with the “ringing-in” of the trotting mare Dora Derby. The surprise was the change of evidence in the chief witness, Archibald Campbell Sim. who had already plead© i guilty to a similar charge. Sim stated that he bought the -mare for £2-5, and he and Nicholson arranged to buy a better mare, resembling th-3 first one, Dora Derby being selected. To complete the resemblance, Dora Derby's tail was docked and her ear split. The first horse was then destroyed. The witness further stated that his brother sold the mare to a drover, but she was got back and destroyed be cause rumours were afloat. The witness was proceeding to de scribe the drover when he was stopped. His Honor: “You had better not emulate Nicholson in his description of the imaginary Davis. Is there any such man as the drover?” After hesitation the witness answered in the negative, reaffirming, however, that the mare was dead, shoo by him last February. The case was adjourned until the morning.