INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1925, Page 1

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

A PRIEST CHARGED. [in TELEGRAPH —ri.lt I'ItESS ASSOCIATION. DARGA YILI'E. April 2. A ease of considerable interest at 1 ho presenl time was heard at the .Magistrate’s Court to-day. when Inspector W.vkcs. the local Health Department representative charged John Spielings. Catholic Priest, that on 22nd. Afareh, 1025, at Alaugnwhnre, he did allow children under the age ol |(i years lo attend the Convent School during the time that such children were prohibited under Section 7li ol the Health Department Act.

The Inspector deposed that he had previously spoken to the delendant not to allow children inuler Hi to at tend Church, as he had received complaints that they were attending Church. On A!amli 22nd. he saw 25 children leave Die Convent schoolroom at 0.50 a.m. On another occasion he saw six there. Li giving evidence the defendant: said that Tie had asked the children to attend Die school three times a week to t;ik<‘ llicir liomowork Irom the Mack hoard. Do said they could not afford to pav postages, stationery etc., like (he Public Schools. They were anxious to keep their pupils well up in education. The children were not fold l<> he present at any special hour, hut that, the school room would he open Irom 1) a.m. to 5 p.m. Afr Hayes, defendant’s solicitor, pleaded very hard lo the Magistrate not to convict, hut. dismiss the ease under the Justice of the Peace Act. The Magistrate said that the defendant was legally guilty, of an olfcnce, Iriit if lie would promise not to Allow the children to congregate in the schoolroom or at the Church, ho would stretch a point and dismiss the case on payment- of costs. _ This promise was given. I lie ease was dismissed.