George Paterson, George Sutherland Paterson and John Paterson, all residing in Cromarty but tenants of the salmon fishing stations on the Tarbat peninsula, were accused of leaving the leaders out on the nets from 6pm Saturday to 6am Monday.The Patersons cited bad weather as the reason they were left, the Crown said the weather was fine. Witnesses for the Crown included  John Reid, Hector MacKenzie, Murdo MacKenzie, Alexander Reid and Alexander Skinner, all salmon fishers, Balintore. Witnesses for the defence included John Bonny, Balintore, Alexander Ross, David Mitchell, Alexander Skinner, David Morrison, David MacKay, David Tarrel, James Williamson, William Sutherland, 21 Shore St., William Sutherland, 10 Shore St, all salmon fishers, Hilton, and Alexander Skinner, shoemaker, Hilton.