HOMING PIGEONS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 43, Issue 43, 24 May 1917, Page 5

HOMING PIGEONS.

ABUSE OF A PRIVILEGE

MASTERTON MAN IN- COURT

William La Roche was charged at the Police Court this' morning with having, on April Ist, made a false declaration to the Railway Department with the object of obtaining a concession in regard to traffic, on the railways.

Sergeant Miller said that La Roche was a member of the Masterton Homing Pigeon Club, who were allowed to send birds free on the railways when they were taking part in races. On April Ist, La Eoche took a box of pigeons to Levin, where he had relatives. The box was stamped with the Masterton Homing Pigeon Club stamp, and were carried free. When the pigeons reached Levin, La Roche claimed them, but tho porter said they were consigned to the stationmaster for liberation, and could not be handed over. La Roche then said he would pay any freight on tho birds, but this was refused. La Roche subsequently paid the dues on the birds.

La Roche stated that he. had consigned the birds to Levin, where he was going, with the object of seeing the birds liberated next day. He misunderstood tho position. When he saw the stationmaster and found out the regulations, he offered to pay for the freight.

Sergt. Miller said the original intention was that the birds were to be a present for people at Levin. La Roche denied this.

His Worship said La Roche had pleaded, guilty to a charge the effect of which was fraud. He would be convicted and lined £1 and 7s costs.