The Perth Courier, front page, June 14, 1912

Lanark County Court
“The June sitting of the Lanark County Court and quarter sessions opened here on Tuesday afternoon…Pennett vs. Peter Carr: Action brought by Patrick J. Pennett against Peter Carr (both farmers of Bathurst Township) for damages for alleged slander, the date of the offence being 29th June, 1911, when defendant is claimed to have falsely and maliciously made statements to the effect that the plaintiff had “hooked a hive of bees” and two hens. This case drew quite an audience, and was watched with keen interest. It developed a lot of mystery as to an old hive-stealing story that seems to be well-known in the neighbourhood in which the parties live, but which was not permitted to be told in court.

After five witnesses for plaintiff had been examined, counsel for defendant argued that the case should be dismissed as too frivolous to be brought into court. Plaintiff’s counsel contended that his client was entitled to at least “exemplary damages” as a vindication of his character. After taking the matter into consideration over night, His Honour, with great reluctance, as he said, gave judgement in favour of the plaintiff for $100.00 damages, with costs.”