Charged With Neglect Of Their Children

Chronicle (Levin), 18 February 1948, Page 7

Charged With Neglect Of Their Children

Press Assodation)

. . (Per

WANGANUI, Feb. 17. The trial began in the Supreme Court, Wanganui; today of ArthurHenry Major, ageil 34, mattTess maker, of Springvale, and his wife, Clarice' Marguerite Major, aged 24, jointiy charged- with endangermg the lives oi their three young Children by failing to provide them with the necessaries of lif e. One charge jelates to The three children collectively-^— Ann Elizabetti Major, aged tliree-; Joyee Nancy Major, aged two; and- Lorraine Hetty Major, aged seven "months, who died on November 28. In addition the two accused, who finve pleaded not guiltv,' are similarly charged in respect oi each , child separately, making . four counts. in the indictment. The case is being heard before the Chief Justice and mueh of today was taken up with hearing the evidence of medic-al wii'nesses called by the Crown. When the hearing was adjourned till 10 a.m. tomorrow, the case for the Crown hud been concluded. The case, which is a most unusual oue, attracted much interest aua throughout .tlie jlay there was a large gathering in the public portion at the baek of the courtroom, roany women being present. Much of the evidence was on lincs similar to that heard in the Lower Court. Mr. N. R. Bain is appearing for the Crown and Mr. R. S. Withers is conducting the case for the defonce. The charges liave been )aid under section 166 of the Urimes Act, 1908, and The llrst count against the two accused relating to the three children, is: "That between July 1, 1947, having charge of Aua Eiizabeth Major, Joyce Nancy Major and Lorraine Ilettie Major, who, by reason of their respective ages were unable to withdraw themselves from sueh charge, they did omit with'ouf lawful excuse to supply the said peraons with the necessaries of life, thereby endangering their lives. In his opening address to the'jury, Alr. Bain said that the Crown alleged that botli mother and father liad solt control of the three children. One child, the voungeat, had died and the othei two children were admitted to the Wanganui "llospital on November 28. Tliey remained there till January 26 and made such good progress that an order was obtained committing them to the care of the State. Anu Eiizabeth. Major and Joyce Nancy Major were now with foster parents.