Mathews v Foggitt Jones Ltd

The appellant, Mathews, was charged with an offence under section 19 of the *Newcastle District Abattoir and Sale-yards Act 1912* (N.S.W.) for bringing a portion of a carcase into a prohibited area. The respondent, Foggitt Jones Ltd, was the prosecutor. The case was heard by the High Court of Australia, comprising Knox CJ, Isaacs and Gavan Duffy JJ.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether sausages, which were the subject of the charge, constituted a "carcase or any portion of carcase" within the meaning of section 19 of the Act.

The Court considered the definition of "carcase" and the process by which sausages are made. It was held that sausages, being manufactured products derived from meat but not in their original form, were not a "carcase or any portion of carcase" as contemplated by the legislation. The Act was intended to regulate the movement of raw meat and animal products in their natural state, not processed goods.

The appeal was dismissed, and the conviction was set aside.