Australian Cables

Horowhenua Chronicle, 29 July 1913, Page 3

Australian Cables

'BY BLKCTRIC XELEOBAPH---V I'IRIQHT]

[paa PBKSS iMOeUIION.j CONSPIRACY CASES

Kecoived This Day, 9.45 a.m.) Melbourne, This Day.

The trial of two nurses named Hannah Janet iiurrell and Clarice Donaldson, with Doctor Edward George Erson, for conspiring' to defraud the Commonwealth by fictitious claims under the Maternity Allowanco Act, has concluded. Mr Justice Hood, in summing up, said that birth certificates signed by the nurses overflowed with false names. They signed themselves over and over again as mothers. One witness had said (hat an illegitimate child was disposed of to Donaldson lor If the statements regarding such transactions were anything like true, this hospital simply was a den of murder; il children were not absolutely done to death, probably they were allowed to starve away. Erson was in an unfortunate position. Erson had signed over forty certificates, but had attended only twenty-six eases, his explanation being that he signed the certificates in blank, through carelessness. The nurses were found guilty; each received a sentence of twelve months' imprisonment and was fined ,£IOO. Dr. Erson was acquitted.

SMALLPOX. Brisbane, This Day. A mild smallpox case has been discovered.