REVOLTING HOME

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2125, 17 April 1914, Page 8

REVOLTING HOME

SHOCKING RECITAL IN COURT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Chrisfohuroh, April 16. Five,small children, .two girls and three boys, were paraded before Mr. H. ,W; Bishop, S.M., at a sitting of the Juvenile Court this afternoon, on a ckargo of not being under proper control. The girls were aged 13 years and 12 years, and the boys 11, 10, and 8 .Vears respectively. Tho story told by Chief-Detectivo Bishop, and supplemented by statements from the children, alleged a terrible state of affairs.

Tho Chief-Detectivo stated that the children wero living with step-parents/ Both had been married three times, and the family before the Court were by the second wife of the stepfather. .The stepfather had been committed for trial on a certain dffenco against the eldest Ki'rl.

The Magistrate: How long has this hcon going on?

I'Tho Chief-Detective: For about three yeara. . • . '

In reply to the Magistrate, the ChiefPetcctivo stated that .the matter had only,-recently been reported to the police; otherwise it would havo been put a stop to long ago. On a recent occasion tho second girl asked tho stepmother that tho polico should bo informed,, and, later, that was done. .The Magistrate: "It's an awful business!!' To the girl: Why didn't you report it beforo?

'■The girl replied that she was not old enough then to know what to do. The' second girl, a child of eleven, then volunteered the information that kirn also had a complaint to make. Tho_ Magistrate: Tho man must bo sn animal. The girl: lie's worse than that. Tho Magistrate: It's an awful history. Upon my wore!, it's something i rightful that such things can happen. Tt is a great pity that the thing has Been going on for the Inst two years without someone gcEting information about it. Tho Magistrate committed . the children to the Christchitrch Receiving Home.