ST. HELENS HOME INQUIRY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8348, 7 February 1913, Page 10

ST. HELENS HOME INQUIRY

CROSS-EX AMI NTION OP MATRON. MRS NICOL MAKES A REQUEST. Press Association. AUCKLAND. February 6. The inquiry into the administration of St. Helens Home was continued before the Commissioner (Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M.). Further evidence was taken in connection with the ease of the late Mrs Chamberlain. Miss Ludwig (the matron) continued her evidence. When Mrs Nicol commenced to crossexamine the matron in connection with the case of Mrs Porch, Hr Selwyn Mavs voiced his disapproval of any action in the direction of a general examination of the case. The books of St. Helens Home, explained Mr Mays, contained descriptions of mental cases and cases involving contagious diseases. If details of such cases were published it might lead to complications. He argued that the books should he searched for details of

such cases only as directly affected the present inquiry. Mrs Niool: Why don’t you say you are afraid of what I know of the contents of the books? , It was explained by Mr Mays that his remarks had not been directed towards Mrs Nieol. He had challenged Mr Skelton’s exploration of the books. Further, Mr Mays stated that he would protest against the details of other cases in the books being brought forward before Di Valintine and Miss McLean, the Health Department inspectors, had given their evidence. , ~ .... It was stated by Mr Skelton that his clients were not only concerned with the treatment of Mrs Chamberlain in the home, but also desired to get the present St. Helens Home building condemned. He would like to thoroughly examine the books, as, though he had only looked through nine pages, lie had discovered some very valuable facts. The question of allowing the books to be examined was eventually adjourned, the Commissioner intimating that he would like to hear legal argument upon it. , Mrs Nicol continued her examination of the matron touching upon the question of certain sanitary arrangements at the home. She concluded by remarking that in hospitals like St. Helens patients often suffered dire trouble through neglect of sanitation. The matron: I am being baited here by Mrs Nicol. I have done no wrong, and I am not going to be bullied by her. I wish your Worship would prevent her from making rude remarks. The Commissioner: You will have to stop it, Mrs Nicol. Mrs Niool: But have I said anything? The Commissioner: I did not hear clearly what was said,, but if you make offensive remarks it must be put down. Mrs Nicol asked if a portion of her evidence, stating that she did not suggest that books were destroyed in view of the inquiry* might be erased? The Commissioner duly noted the request, and upon inquiring her reasons for making it was informed that she might be able to bring evidence to show that books were destroyed in connection with the inquiry. The Commissioner: The insinuation is a very serious one, Mrs Niool. . The inquiry was adjourned.