THE ESCAPED NUN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2169, 28 August 1920, Page 1

THE ESCAPED NUN.

DISCHARGE FROM CUSTODY. CLOSING SCENE IN DRAMA. LUNACY COURT SITTING. Intense ini crest has been aroused throughout Australia, in (he case of Sister Ligouri (Miss Cartridge), the nun who escaped from a convent, was subsequently arrested on an allegation by Dishop Dwyer that she was insane, and who was later released, the allegation having been found by experts to be incorrect. Sister Ligouri Ivas discharged by Air Gale, S.M., at the Sydney Lunacy Court on August 13th. Mr Boyce, and with him Air Marked, appeared for Sister Ligouri. Mr Ryan, K.C., did not appear. Mr Minahan, when questioned on the matter of'his non-appearance, remarked: “He has gone to Melbourne on business. There is no need for him to be here. AVe know the result.” After the audience had been kept; waiting expectantly, the escaped nun was brought into Court. She was dressed exactly as on her Kr«l appearance, but was more alert and bright. She sealed herself calmly, and awaited, the decision of the Court. When Air Gale, S.M., took his scad, Mr Boyce asked; “Whore is Air Ryan ? ” Someone in the room answered: “There is no need for him. ’ Air Collin.-'; Yon have no business to make a remark like him I. “I don’t want any scene here,” said Mr Gale. “The doctor, recommends her discharge, and I discharge her.” M iss Brigid Partridge I hen rose and. left the Court. There was a thrill of excitement, .tail the audience, was so taken by surprise by the sudden ending of the proceedings that it remained seated. Air Bovce rose suddenly, and .'■aid; “Mr Ryan is represented here by Mr Collins, is there no apology? Nothing to soothe the feelings of I his girl ? Her place has been pickelod, and she has been hounded, down, is there no All - Cade, S.AL; 11' this lady lias '-uttered any wrong', she has h|v remedy. Mr Collins asked wluihi-r >omeliiing could no! he done to prevent (ho public crowding into the ( oiu'l. Air Calc: Thai is a mailer for the Legislature, imt for me. The Court is now closed. The room was then cleared, huf Mr Almahan remained behind for some minutes in conversation with I he magistrate. ’Those who had been in the Court mingled with tin; larger crowd outside in the yard. Olliers who had been unable !o get into (he yard looked through "the high iron railings from the street. The Rev. •). Enright proclaimed his name, and said: “formerly .1 was a Roman Catholic priest.. I say if a. priest wants to leave tin: Roman Cat Indie Church, let him leave it. If a girl wants to leave a convent, let her leave it. If she wants to stay in, let her slay in. This is a free country.” Catching sight of Air P. J. Minahan, M.L.A., lie said: “We have beaten you to-day, and we will beat you again. AN e will bent you every time.” Then he said lu a person standing near by: “This girl is as sane as the devil. And there is no saner than he.” The crowd continued to await the appearance of Miss Partridge, who, it was announced, had gone into the Reception House to change her apparel, with the view of. going with Airs Touched to the latter’s home at Kogarah. Half an hour passed with still no sign of Miss Partridge, and exchanges of repartee between the factions were frequent. But on the surface at any rate the bulk of it appeared-to lie of the good-natured variety. Numerous police oflieers were in attendance. Then a motor ear appeared. Everyone knew it was for Miss ‘Partridge. A doctor alighted, am| the car was driven away. Inspector Mitchell then came out of the Reception House, and called out, “The lady’s gone.” "The lady's gone; the lady's gone,” repeated the policeman. A few of the wailing crowd went away, but the majority remained. A lady was indignant. She said: “I doji't believe it. They ought to be ashamed of themselves to take her out by the hack door.” Someone f raised a cheer. There were a few hoots, too. AH’s Touched, who had been on the verandah all the time, then remarked to an inquirer: “Yes, she has gone. She is in the lutnds of friends.” The Rev. W. Touehell, Airs Touchell, and the Rev. John Enright then left the house grounds. Outside a

Digger called for “three cheers for Mr Enright.” The crowd gave them, and then in turn three more for “Mr Touched,” “British Justice,” and “ThcvNun.” The ceremony was nearly over. “Hoots for Minahjin” were called for and given, as also were “Hoots for Mannix.” Then the crowd gradually dispersed, until only a few were left gazing through the hospital fence.