Kem Ormond takes a look at the world of farming back in the day.
Christmas in New Zealand can also be known as the silly season and it was no different in 1923 when the NZ Herald reported on the adventures of a couple of drunken
Pastures Past: Boozy 1923 Christmas farm theft involves a pig and four ducks
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In 1923, Walter James Ross pleaded guilty to having stolen a pig, 10lb. of bacon, four ducks, and 1lb. of butter. Photo / 123RF
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A Christmas Comedy
Drink leads to theft.
Pig and four ducks.
Two men prohibited.
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[By Telegraph — own correspondent]
New Zealand Herald, December 31, 1923
Stratford, Saturday.
The manner in which two men went about their business of selecting their Christmas fare, was investigated at the Stratford Magistrate’s Court today, when Walter James Ross pleaded guilty to having stolen from Henry Yeatman, of Wharehuia, a pig, 10lb. of bacon, four ducks, and 1lb. of butter, of a total value of £2 11s 6d.
William Hartigan, who was with Ross at the time, and who was also charged with theft, pleaded not guilty.
Sergeant Dale said that Hartigan’s wife was a sister to Mrs. Yeatman.
On December 17, the day of the alleged theft, Mrs. Hartigan was at the courthouse, and the Yeatmans were with her and there was nobody on the farm.
Hartigan and Ross hired a car and went to the farm, coming back to Stratford with a pig, a piece of bacon, and a duck with its head off.
On arriving at the courthouse, they actually tried to sell the pig to its real owner.
Failing in this direction, they tried to dispose of the animal to the licensee of the Club Hotel.
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Percey L. Healey, taxidriver stated that Hartigan engaged him to drive to Beaconsfield Road.
Hartigan went away and returned with Ross.
Both had had drink.
On arriving at Yeatman’s, both accused went to the house.
Ross came back later with a duck.
Next he brought a piece of bacon wrapped in an overcoat, and later a pig in a sack.
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Ross asked witness if he wanted a turkey or a pig for Christmas.
On returning to Stratford the accused got out of the car at the Club Hotel.
The duck had been put in the sack with the pig.
Hartigan admitted having been on a drinking bout for about three weeks.
He said he remembered going to the farm to get his horse.
He had no knowledge of anything else that went on.
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He had had a drink or two, he was looking for his horse and did not see Ross taking out the pig or bacon.
He did not know what was going on at the farm, because he was staggering about most of the time.
The presiding justice said that drink seemed to be the cause of the offence.
The Court would take a lenient view, as it was Christmas season.
Both accused were convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon.
Prohibition orders were also issued against them.
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Butcher Advertisements in 1876
Daily Southern Cross, December 21, 1876
George Hulme
Butcher
Queen Street.
Christmas is coming.
Wanted:
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5 Dozen TURKEYS
5 Dozen GEESE
10 Dozen DUCKS
6 Dozen FOWLS
Must be thoroughly fat and young.
Highest price given.
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Cash on delivery.
A. Dornwell,
Corner Queen and Darby Streets.
Public notification.
For Christmas
Shall have an assortment of AMERICAN, CANTERBURY and ENGLISH HAMS
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CORNED TONGUES, FAT TURKEYS
GEESE, DUCKS, and FOWLS.
ROAST BEEF of old England, with plenty of suet for Puddings.
Haunches, Saddles, and Legs of MUTTON, such as cannot be had elsewhere.
LAMB, VEAL, AND PORK,
All specially obtained for Christmas.
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THE DISPLAY
Will be worth seeing and for quality, unsurpassable.
FAMILIES are waited on for Orders. HOTELS and RESTAURANTS supplied, at per lb., with a Liberal Discount for Prompt Payments.
The Meat is slaughtered at my Private Slaughterhouse in the most humane, scientific, and cleanly manner.
N.B.— On Saturday, at 6 pm, commences the CLEARING SALE, when all Meat is sold at a reduction of 1d. per lb., to enable my men to get a timely rest for a hard day’s work. If you wish to secure a good Joint, come EARLY.
- Source: Papers Past
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