From Western Post 12 January 1861 HOLBURD v. HEARD TEMPLETON for plaintiff. JAMES for defendant. This was an action for slander, damages laid at £200. Mr. TEMPLETON, in opening the case, said, it was at all times his wish to discourage as much as possible actions of this kind, and yet it was very necessary that examples shold be occasionally made, if not, no one would be safe; however, to show that the plaintiff was not actuated by vindictive feelings, he was at this period of the proceedings willing to accept an apology. Mr. HEARD, wishing the case to go on, Mr. TEMPLETON called the plaintiff, John HOLBURD, butcher, who deposed that on 22nd November he went to HEARD's yard for a cow belonging to Mrs. McKENNA for the purpose of putting it into a paddock He saw the hostler, who unlocked the gate and gave him possession of the cow - a red one. Shortly after Mr. HEARD sent for him and told him, in the presence of a large number of people, that if he did not return the cow he would take out a warrant against him for cattle stealing; that he was a fine sort of fellow, he would next take the very house from him. He had purchased a quantity of cattle from Mr BLOODSWORTH; the one in question was a "cull", which Mrs. McKENNA had bought for her own use. He was told by parties in the town that application had been made for a warrant. Mr. LYONS recollected Mr. HEARD speaking to him about a warrant against plaintiff for cattle stealing, which he declined giving, saying that as HEARD's man had given up the cow he had better sue for its value in the Small Debts Court provided he could prove that it belonged to him. Thomas KIRK was present when HEARD threatened to take out the warrant. Had known HOLBURD a long time, and was sure he would not do such a thing as steal a cow. Mrs. McKENNA had purchased the cow for £2 10s from Mr.BLOODSWORTH, who told her it was in HEARD's yard. She did not see it, but sent the butcher for it. Mr. JAMES declined calling any witnesses for the defence. The plaintiff had not, and could not, suffer from the few words which were said in the heat of the moment; in fact, he could not remember any one who had heard the words uttered. His Honor took a different view of the case, and regretted defendant had not accepted the offer of an apology. As heavy damages were not sought, he would give a verdict for £2 and costs. This ended the business of the court. ***END*** Annette Piper (Please note: Although every effort has been made to transcribe the above correctly, errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling (names/places) is how it appears in original.