GEESE WERE SHOT AT HARE DRIVE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17915, 3 August 1926, Page 4

GEESE WERE SHOT AT HARE DRIVE.

MAN IN RESPONSIBLE POSITION FACES TRIAL AT SUPREME COURT. Per Press Association. PALMERSTON NORTH, August 3. The quarterly session of the Supreme Court opened this morning, his Honor Mr Justice Reed presiding. Addressing the Grand. Jury, his Honor observed Avith regret that more than the usual number of criminal cases Avere on the calendar, but it was satisfactory to see that the worst class of criminal offences—sexual cases— Avere entirely absent. Of the cases for trial, only* one Avas of a serious nature. Most of them were comparati\ r ely simple so far as the Grand Jury Avas concerned and the only bill likely to necessitate some, consideration was a charge against Clifford Harris Thompson of stealing some geese near DaiineA'irke. Accused, continued his Honor, was a man holding a responsible position. lie Avent out hare shooting Avith some others on certain property, permission havine been obtained from the mother of the owner. After a number of hares had been shot, some.geese were killed. While this Avas in the circumstances umvarranted, it Avas done quite openlv in front of the house on the property in the presence of Avitnesses. There Avas an apparent lack of that fraudulent intent which made for theft. The action partook more of larrikinism and Avhile reprehensible, could hardly be termed theft. After referring to other cases, his Honor said that the most serious Avas against Ernest Taniwha Sutherland, a Maori, avlio Avas arraigned on charges of attempted murder and arson.