THE RABBIT ACT.

Western Star, 26 March 1920, Page 3

THE RABBIT ACT.

PROSECUTIONS AT CROMWELL. INDIGNANT LANDOWNERS. MAGISTRATE’S VIEWS. Cromwell, March 17. The operations of the latest amendment to the Rabbit Act is causing quite as much indignation locally as in other centres',' and after attending what might bo termed a. field day at Cromwell Court to-day indignation is not to be wondered at (writes the Otago Daily Times correspondent). Eight landowners were charged with failing to destroy rabbits. The extreme anomaly of the Act was early made clear. .Stock inspectors had only to swear that in their opinion sufficient steps for the destruction of rabbits were not being taken, and the magistrate had no option but to convict. The evidence of the landowners was of no avail, but one remarkable position was presented. In the most important case evidence was given, -and not refuted, that 81,000 rabbits had been taken off in two months. The inspectors stated that on an inspection of the property at the latter end of November they saw very few trap marks, and no signs of thorough trapping. Mr B. D. Mosley, S.M., took the most comjmonseii.se view of any magistrate who has heard the cases under the Act. Early in the first hearing he pointed out that he had no jurisdiction. Continuing, at different intervals, he said it was a most extraordinary position for the court to be placed in. He was bound by the evidence of the inspectors, notwithstanding the evidence of what had been done. The Legislature had created an unfortunate position. Takng a commonsenso view, he said the •:t is most arbitrary in its provisions, and must be interpreted in a commonsense 'way. If such arbitrary power was placed in the hands of anybody, and not carried out in a reasonable manner, they would not get this court to assist them. In one particular case he considered the inspectors should have been more candid in stating to defendant what steps were required. His opinion was the inspectors should go honestly to the landowners and tell thorn what was required. The cases are still proceeding, but the matter of fines is held over until all the cases are heard.

HEAVY PEiNALTIES IMPOSED. Cromwell, March 18. The filler imposed in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, at the conclusion, of the hearing of seven cases under the Rabbit Act, ranged from £IOO, in a case where it was a second offence, and in cases of first offenders from £4O down to £lO, according to the areas of the runs held. Those who heard the cases were somewhat surprised at the substantial penalties imposed, after hearing the remarks of the magistrate throughout the hearing- ' There is increasing indignation at the position created, making the magistrate subordinate to the inspectors, and, with it, ignoring entirely the evidence of the landowners, and a strong protest has already been made to the Prime Minister. Further action seems certain.