VACCINATION CASES.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 410, 8 May 1902, Page 2

VACCINATION CASES.

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT BE FORE THE COURT.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

Christchurch, last night'.

At Lyttelton to-day Mr Shanaghan, Vaccination Inspector; brought a number of charges against parents for not having cheir children vaccinated. Seven cases were withdrawn, as the children had been vaccinated since the information was laid. One parent said ho' had conscientious objections, but the Magistrate, pointed out that he had not complied with the law as to obtaining exemption, and ordered that the child be vaccinated within a fortnight. George Laurfenson, M.H.E., was charged with not having two children vaccinated. He stated that the Inspector had refused to grant him a certificate pf exemption. Mr Shanaghan denied this, and stated that np statutory declaration had been made by Air Laurenson. Sub-section 4of section 170 of the Act provided that an application for exemption mOst be supported by a statutory declaration, and by such other evidence us the Alagistrate or Registrar might think reasonable. In reply to Air Laurenson, Air Shanaghan stated that the former had not applied for a certificate of exemption in January, 1901, or at any other time. Air Laurenson deposed that he had made application, though not in writing, to the Registrar for an exemption certificate. Mr fcihanaghan nad refused to grant one unless supported by a medical certificate, Air Beetham said that there was nothing in the Act to show that discretion was placed in the hands of a Alagistrate or Registrar as to granting or refusing a certificate of exemption. Their power was limited. It was a very serious matter to neglect vaccination, and if the Registrar insisted upon a medical certificate in support of the application the Bench thought him within his rights. The point now, however, was that children had not been vaccinated, and he must make an order that this be done. Air Laurenson said he would submit to a fine. Air Beetham said he had no pqwer to fine. He must make an order for vaccination to be performed within 14 days. No order would be made as to costs.