ILLEGAL OPERATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1926, Page 4

ILLEGAL OPERATIONS.

alleged use "of" instrument. .MRS O’SI IA I' GIIN ESS Y REFUSED BAIL. AUCKLAND, January 14. “There might he a death if I allowed this woman bail, and then l would feel myself responsible,” said Mr J. W. Boynton, S.M., in the Police Court, in refusing Mr Singer’s application to grant bail to Mrs Martha Jane O’Shaugbncssy, aged 59. O’Shaugnessy was committed to the. Supreme Court for trial on four charges of using an instrument. It was pointed out by Mr Singer that the Supreme Court crimiifpl sessions did not start till February 2nd, and thill meant that Mrs O’Shaughncssy would have l» remain in gaol for over a fortnight. Little harm could be done if she were admitted to bail. Mr Singer suggested 'that in view of her state, of health, the Magistrate might grant the request. Mr l’oynton said that lie felt very reluctant about it. If the woman were ill she could be transferred from Mount Eden Gaol to the Auckland Hospital. “ Von see she has already been committed to the Supreme Court for trial on two charges, .and, while she is out on hail, she is brought here on four other charges.” sail'd the Magistrate.

•• No. I can’t allow her her liberty.” Mr Singer then put Dr Morton in the box U) describe the condition of O’Shaughnessy’s leg. It was in such a condition that it should he dressed properly and freqeuntly. It required either skin gralttug or amputation, and she should ho in hospital. Chief Detective Cummings—You’ll agree with me, doctor, that, in view of the condition of tin’s woman’s leg it is very dangerous for her to perform these operations, and you’ll admit that drinking won’t help her condition? Dr Horton—lt is a very had leg, indeed. It was quite a mistake to imagine that, because a person was ill. he or she could not, and ought not to bo sent to gaol, said -Mr Boynton. It should he remembered that them was a hospital in gaol with medical men in .regular attendance; and drugs of every kind were available. If necessary, serious eases could he, and, were transferred from gaol to the general hospital. Mr Singer asked that the Magistrate recommend O’Shaughnessy’s transfer to the Auckland Hospital, on Dr Horton’s evidence, hut the Magistrate said he could not do that; but, if the gaol surgeon agreed that she should he removed, his Worship would make the necessarv recommendation.