SOLOMON'S JUDGMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12881, 13 May 1913, Page 7

SOLOMON'S JUDGMENT

DOG THAT KNEW ITS MASTER

SCENE AT THE QUARTER SES-

SIONS.*

- SYDNEY, May 3. A new version, of the judgment of Solomon was given at the Quarter Sessions Appeal Court yesterday. Bert A. Thomson, appealed against the decision of Mr Smithens, S.M., at the Newton Court on April 9th in giving possession of a Yorkshire terrier to William Thomas Williams. It was a matter of disputed ownership, and the magistrate had decided that Williams was the rightful owner of the dog.

When the case was called on Judge Biackhouse said "Bring the dog in." The animal, which had been in the I>ots6essian! of ths claimant, wds, iledj into court by a constable. ' "Call up the appellant and the respondent." ordered, his Honour. And the two litigants took their stations on each side of the barristers' table.

Now, let the appellant call the dojr to him," said This Honour

The appellant called to the' dog in a coaxing tone, and the animal approached him a-nd sniffed suspiciously. "Now let the respondent oaJl the dog," said his Honour.

This time the terrier bounded to the man who whistled to him, amd jumped up on him in a style of most cheeriu! recognition. "I am quite ssatisfied," said his Honour. "It is very evident to whom the dog belongs. I don't wish to hear any evidence. I have read the "depositions and all the ■witnesses that could be brought would not influence my" opinion. Tho magistrate's "-order is upheld with costs."