AN ADOPTED CHILD.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1466, 14 June 1912, Page 5

AN ADOPTED CHILD.

ALLEGED WILFUL NEGLECT. AN AUCKLAND CASE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Auckland, Juno 13. "This is one of those cases that often occur in New Zealand, but unfortunately seldom come to light," stated Sub-Inspec-tor Hendrev, in introducing a case at. the Police Court this morning, in which Charles W. and Mary Warwick and Gertrude P. and Poter Sorrenson wero charged with having wilfully neglected a boy of twelve years, who was named as Cyril Sorrenson, and whose religion was covered in the entry "Spiritist" on the chargesheet. In outlining the ease, Sub-Inspector Hendrey said that about twelve years ago a little "not wanted" was brought into the world, und a woman named Shankland was alleged to have received ,£IOO in consideration of her adopting the child, which she did., She kept tho child for a year or so, and then handed it over to Mrs. Warwick, who for JEIO undertook to look after it, Mr. and Mrs. Warwick wore friends of tho Sorrensons, and apparently without money consideration, the boy was handed ovor to the care of Mrs. Sorrenson. He had since then been ban- . died about between Mrs. Sorrenson and Mrs.. Warwick. Tho- child became ill, and was taken bv Mrs. Sorrenson to Mrs. Warwick, who brought him into town, and left him at Mr. Henry Wilding's office. Mrs. Warwick stated that she had no right to keep the child, and was not going to do so. Sergeant Frnser said Sorrenson was a maker of oilskin coats, and Mrs. Sorrenson a spiritualist or clairvoyant. Sorrenson had made a statement to witness, which was in conformity with the SubInspector's opening remarks. The child called Mrs. ■ Sorrenson "mother," and Mrs. Warwick "Aunty." The child was handed over to the police, and sent to the hospital. He was then so bad with swollen glands in his neck that he could not speak. Evidence supporting the facts Telating to . tho boy being brought to Mr. Wilding by Mrs. Warwick and left there ill was given, and Mr. Wilding stated that he had before that written to Mr. Sorrenson concerning the child; in consequence of information received. Mrs. Warwick said that she had another child sho had adopted for .£lO, and three children of her own. She had consequently allowed Mrs. Sorrenson six years ago to keep the boy, because sho was lonely, and witness had not had charge of him since till two days before ho was taken to Mr. Wilding's office. Then Mr. Sorrenson returned him, because of reports by tho Protection Society. Next day the boy came from school with a swollen {ace, and fearing" that lie would communicate mumps to a daughter who ■had throat trouble, she took Cyril next day to Mr. Wilding, after she had bandaged and wrapped up the child's face. The. child hod always been well treated by Mrs. Sorrenson. Daniel ■ Metge, schoolmaster, stated that he had had the boy under observation at Newton Bast School two years ago, when he came to school well clad, but ho was apparently sub-normal and of degenerate habits. He had to request that the child bo taken from the School, and thought he should have gone to an institution for separate treatment. The boy made a noise whenever he was told that he would be punished. Peter Sorrenson said that the boy was always well treated, but he was prone to stealing, and had occasionally to be chastised.

After similar evidence by Mrs. Sorrenson and other witnesses, the case was adjourned to enable evidence to be heard from the schoolmasters at Nelson Street nnd Grey Lynn Schools, .where the boy had attended just prior to his being taken to Mr. Wilding's.