RIVERTON S.M. COURT.

Western Star, 8 November 1921, Page 3

RIVERTON S.M. COURT.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8.

[Before Mr G. Cruickshauk, iS.M, and Warden.]

—Dog Tax.—

Wm. McClymont (Mr Patrick) proceeded against W. H. Hall for keeping three unregistered dogs at Thornbury.—Defendant stated that die had two dogs. The ranger was supposed to call and collect the fees, but had not done so. The first intimation lie had was p summons from McClymont. —Wm. McClymont said he hadl called 011 defendant, who stated that lie had no 1 change. He also saw him on different occasions, but had not been paid. He had noticed a bull dog, a terrier, a retriever and a collie. To defendant: He called at his place between sth and 10th January .-’Defendant said he had; one dog up l to March and that dog was poisoned as the result of laying poison for rabbits. Since then he had two dogs, and both had| been registered, Mrs McClymont taking the money and giving a receipt. Later he asked plaintiff for collars, hut had not received them. To Mr Patrick; He had a collie dog in January, but it was poisoned.— the Magistrate remarked that if the ranger had) called he could have got the fees.—Fined 5/-, costs 7/-. —Defence Act. — For failing to attend drill, as required under the Defence Act, W. D. 'Stevens, for whom Mir Patrick appeared, pleaded! guilty, and was lined £3, costs 10/-. —Civil.— .Judgment by default was given in the following'cases; —C. E. Johnstone v,' Jno. Goodwillie, £5, .costs 23/6, H. G. Mulholland v. N. G. Vildcrnmth, £2, costs 23/6; Fraser and! ,Co. v. A. C. Dixon, £3 9s, costs 23/0 ; same v. Elizabeth Curran, £lO Is lOd, costs £3; N. Bailey v. A. Ferrier, £4 9s Gd, costs 23/6. 1

—Warden’s Court. —

Wm. B. Dixon made application for five heads of water at Halfimoon Bay, and also for cancellation of w*atqr rights held by the Stewart Island Fishing Company. Mr Patrick, instructed by Mr Hunter, appeared for the applicant. The application was objoctedi to by the Stewart Island Fishing Co. (Mr Macalister) and the Stewart Island (County Council (Mr Stout).—Wm- B. Dixon said the water was required for driving an electric power plant for freezing purposes. Au application was granted! to the. Stewart Island Fishing Company about 51 years ago, but no use had been made of the water. There was plenty of water availably for

County Council. They only required it in the day time for running the freezer. They wero quite prepared to let the power to 1 the Council for lighting purposes. To, iMr Stout: After (i weeks of dry weather 8 heads were measured iii the creek. They were quite prepared to work with the. County Council. To Mr Macalister: He took the measurements of the creek ten or twelve years ago 1 . The freezer was at present being driven by ■ a kerosene engine. The water rights had been pegged off from the mouth for about fourteen chains back. Tho estimated cost of harneßsing the water was about £IOOO. There was plenty of water in the creek for both the Stewart Island Fishing Company anti the applicants. They were guided by a solicitor in asking for an abandonment of the rights "hold by tho Stewart Island Fighing Company. ; The work, if started at once, would j take three or four months.—Mr Stout said the County Council's interests should be safeguarded. Tho Council would like to see both companies prosper, but that body must look after the interests of Halfmoon. Bay residents for a water supply and lighting purposes.—Mr Macalister said the Stewart Island Fishing Co. had a certificate of protection up to May, ihiiO. The company acquired; the rightß in June, 1919. The company had spent- £7OOO ,in building and machinery, ' and intended to develop the water power.—ll. B. Caws, Manager of the Stewart Island Fishing Company, stated that very little work bad been done in developing the water supply. A start had been made on a dam for two or threo days, but had been postponed!. A steam plant had been installed, and it was proposed to develop the water power later on. So" far the sum of £6061 had been spent by tho company on the works. —To Mr Patrick: It was intended to develop the water power when funds were available. The Warden said the former company had done nothing in the matter for some time, and he thought Mr Dixon’s application should be granted. The company could eecure a second right if it required -water. —Granted, subject to approval of Inspector of .Mines.