Mexborough and Swinton Times September 9, 1898
A Paltry Case from Conisborough
Edward Norwood, farmer, Conisborough, was charged with doing wilful damage to a hedge at Conisborough on 27 August, the property of William Smith.
Prosecutor stated that on the morning of the date named he saw defendant breakthrough is aged Conisborough and do damage to the amount of 3d.
In answer to Mr Baddeley, who appeared for the defendant, witness said he did not see them harvesting in the next field. He servant Fred Smith, was working the Reaper. Witness did not go to defendant and asked him what he had gone through the hedge for, but he shouted and told him it was a fair catch. He had no business to go into his field. He didn’t see defendant talking to Fred Smith. It wasn’t true that there were several gaps in the edge.
Fred Smith said defendant came into his master’s field and followed witness round and told him to set the Reaper low.
Mr Baddeley: I don’t know whether there is anything for me to answer.
The Chairman: No, it is dismissed.
Mr Baddeley: Here the defendant went to give his servant some good advice, and then he goes and summons the man; a most paltry thing