ALLEGED NEGLECT

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1930, Page 6

ALLEGED NEGLECT

AGAINST SCHOOL MISTRESS.

[United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright].

this day at 8 30. a.m.) LONDON, July 8.

That one child /lied from pneumonia following measles, and nine others suffered ringworm and eczema owing, to neglect, is the allegation against Mrs Hilda Fern, principal of the Merevale High School at Ackley,. made by. /the' Society for Prevention, of Cruelty' to Children. Nine-children,, .agecl 5 to 9 years, with bandaged heads, appeared in the Court- when-the. case began. The Prosecutor said Mrs Fern did not call a doctor to the ; measles cases because, on her own statement, she owed him money and her cheque had been dishonoured. When the doctor ultimately did call he did not see Veronica Budd, who eventually died, until it was too late. He then found three more cases of measles and suggested a nurse would be necessary, but none was employed. Veronica Budd’s parents had previously been told she was quite well although she was suffering from measles. The Society’s officials found the child was suffering from measles and was practically starving. Eight others were affected with ringworm and one girl of five was bald. /. The nurses, who were called in, later gaVe evidence that Veronica Budd’s bed was too short and the room was disgustingly dirty. The case was adjourned.