FORSAKEN AND STARVED IN SYDNEY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 175, 23 August 1878, Page 4

FORSAKEN AND STARVED IN SYDNEY.

One of the most shocking cases of neglect and and starvation that doubtless has ever been heard of in thi3 land of plenty, has come to light in Sydney within the past few days. The case is that in which an unfortunate cripple, a young woman of.twenty-five years, has bean subject lo a long coutinued illtreatment at the hands of her own mother and sisters. The unfortunate being was starved and left exposed to the bitter cold of the season and the heavy rsics till the spark of life had almost fled. The neighbors knew there was a terrible caso of suffering alongside them, but there was never a complaint to them. The unfortunate girl could not move from her wretched bed; that was her position for twenty years. And she was dumb. Still, when ail was at rest, the unfortunate creature, neglected by her drunken mother and° cruel sisters, would suddenly make night hideous by her peculiar cries, either from pain, or thirst and hunger. The Sisters of Mercy from time to time suoght medical advice and the assistance of the police, but the mother baffled all their efforts} then food and raiment were provided the sufferer, only to be cruelly taken from her the next moment, and pawned or sold for drink; Will it be believed that the food was actuarly stolen, sold for drink, and that then the poor creature, when motioning for food^ would be brow-beaten till elie would endeavor to hide her faco iv the bags that partly covered her. Sbo soon became a living skeleton. There was 00 flesh on the body, and the bones actually protruded through the skin. Tho arms were twisted out of all shape, and the fingera twice their usual length, grew peculiarly over the back of the hand, till the handa presented the appearance of flappers. It was enough to turn the atoutest heart lo see the creature motion for food or water. A gaping wound was made along her arm where in its uncontrolled movements it would knock against the wall. The legs were so affscted by exposure as* to bo drawn completely up to the chest, and were actually lifeless. The wretched couch on which she lay cannot be described. The " Samaritan," a gentleman who ia every day, unkuown to all, quietly doing good in ihis city found her ouf, and resolved never to rest till ue got her under a kindly roof. Day after day and night aitor uight he visited tbe house which is situated at Chippgndale, nnd argued with the mother who wai always" intoxicated, to let Lira take her awi>y. Eventually he succeeded, and, with another good friend, procured a hammock, and under cover of darkness conveyed -her on their shoulders a distance of nearly four miles lo a house in Darlinghuraf, whore cleau bedding and food were provided her. Last night our reporter visited this house. The conditioa of the unfortunate young woraau was improved—almost entirely changed—but not one in a thousand could look on unmoved at the aud picture of what neglect and starvation bad wrought. She knew the footstep of the "Samaritan," and when be placed his band in his basket to drnw forth some food, a smile came over the face of the unfortunate girl, and in mute signs she thanked him for his great kindness. Her weeping was bitter to look upon as some one in the room spoke of the ill-treatment she bad Buffered. She 13 now in kiud hands. The Sisters of Mercy kindly Jo till they can for her now.