THEFT OF CATTLE

Waipa Post, Volume XII, Issue 817, 7 February 1919, Page 3

THEFT OF CATTLE

SETTLER STANDS HIS TRIAL

SECOND CHARGE PENDING

Under remand from Auckland, Herbert Cunningham appeared before Messrs S. H. Dunkley and A. Young, J's. P., at tlve Te Awaiinutu Court on Monday last, on a charge of having, at Honikiwi, on January 13th, stolen a cow, the property of A. Fredrick. He was represented by Mr J. A. Hawkins, Senr. Sergt. Cassells conducting the prosecution. A. Fredrick, the informant, said he had 2 eows running with' a neighbour's 81 head of cattle. On January 17th he mustered these cattle, and then discovered! that one cow was missing, valued at £l2. and 24 of Carrie's cattle had gone astray. On 21st January lie saw his cow with J. Prentice's herd at Pirongia. The accused has a farm at Honikiwi, about 6 miles away from \»--«4tjaess's place.

Cross-examined: He had bought the cow at Marton 7 years ago. When informed that accused had tried to sell a cow at Pirongia, he followed on that information. He had very easily recognised the beast, knowing ow it was branded. It was not his registered brand. J. I. Prentice said he met accused at Pirongia on January 14th. being introduced by a man named Lyford. He was told that accused represented a syndicate, and <a discussion turned to the fall in the price of stock. Accused said he had a £ls or £l6 cow, which he would take £8 for because he could not then drive her. Witness was told she was on Turner's place witli several others, and that Turner had a first refusal at £9. Subsequently it was agreed that if Turner did not buy the beast witness would. He left the money for the cow at Moon's store as arranged, and next morning accused brought the cow along. Accused claimed to be buying farms and cattle in a large way. showing butts of cheques for substantial amounts. W. Q. Moon said accused came to his store, and the £8 was duly paid over. Shortly after accused proceeded with- a mob of cattle towards Hacn.ilton.

R. Carrie said he gave Fredrick permission to run 2 cows on his Honikiwi property. 'He had never given accused, or any other person, permission to remove any cattle. Wm. Marlow, plain clothes constable of Auckland, said on January 25th he met accused in the street, and lie replied when addressed by name. He also admitted having been in Te Awamutu a few days previously, but denied any knowledge of the theft of the cow. On the following day. when voluntary statement to the effect that he has a farm at Otorohanga. and during the last three months has bought and sold hundreds of cattle. The last purchase was on January Bth at Te Kuiti, and the last sale at Morrinsville on 17th January. He could not account for Fredricks' cow. He may have sold it, but could not say how it came into his possession, owing to his "extensive operations. On January 20th he left Te Awamutu for Auckland, where .he resides. Accused, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the next session of the Supreme Court at Hamilton, bail being fixed at £2OO.

Immediately on stepping down from the dock, the accused was arrested by Constable Rushton and charged with the theft of 16 head of cattle, valued at £l2O, the property of Robert Carrie. He was remanded to appear on this charge at Te Awamutu on Februarv 11th.