CRUETLY CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1929, Page 5

CRUETLY CHARGE

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

AUCKLAND, July 26

M i's Elmsley declared lier two daughters, aged 18 and 16}, had also ill-treated her, kicking the skin 'off her shins and legs and sticking needles in her. Her husband hadn’t given her money for ten years and she could not remember when she was, last in a drapery establishment. She was forbidden to touch milk or to go to a cupboard. Once when she was drinking milk her husband called her a sneak thief. He had beaten her too with knotted legropes (cow). There was a pathetic scene in court when friends came forward to greet Mrs Elmsley at the luncheon adjournment, witness breaking down in the arms of the police matron. Witness said she thanked God her parents were alive. They lived at Takapuna. Further evidence was given by Constable Rimmer of Waihi, who stayed at Waeranga from June 20, keeping the Elmsley home under observation, recited numerous occasions when lie saw Mrs Elmsley compelled to do hard work such as, carrying heavy logs and chopping wood. She was clad in clothing made out of sacks.

Witness detailed conversation which he heard when hiding near the house. The girls called their mother “Gummy” and one of them said “Shut your gob you old vermin”. Accused said “That’s the way girls.” Another evening he heard Mrs Elmsley complaining about Clarice sticking a needle into her. Clarice said “get out of my sight or I’ll put you out.” Later Mrs Elmsley said she was always being growled at and never seemed able to do anything right. Accused shouted out in reply, “No you never could.” Mrs Elmsley said “Four of live times todav vou have stuck needles into me.

Doctor Cyril Tewslcy, who accompanied the police to the house, described the house as uninhabitable. It was partially floored. There was vet slushy mud under it, and a makeshift bed in the living room. Mrs Elmsley showed no evidences of a feeble mind, or insanity using the term in its widest sense. He believed her health had been permanently impaired by maltreatment. The hearing will be continued tomorrow.