TUAKAU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 435, 17 December 1918, Page 2

TUAKAU.

A SERIOUS OFFENCE A l , the Auckland Supreme Court on Thursday the jury, after evidence had been given, returned a verdict of guilty against Charles Raymond Christey, billiard room keeper of Tuakau, who had been indicted for supplying a girl, 17 years of age with a noxious drug for an unlawful purpose. A peculiar feature of the ease was that it was not alleged that the accused was responsible for the girl's condition nor was it .suggested that he had gained any pecuniary advantage by his action. In delivering sentence on Friday Mr Justice Stringer expressed satisfaction that the jury had sufficient moral courage to find a verdict in accordance with the evidence. There had been a tendency among juries —among certain juries—to look upon the procuring of abortion as more or less of a legitimate employment, which was of course a deplorable state of affairs. " I think in my experience," added his Honor " that this is almost the first time a conviction has been recorded " After commenting on the fact that the man was a crippb, and would theref>rc be an embarrassment rather than otherwise to the gaol officials, and that for the same reason imprisonment would probably not be much in the nature of punishment for th« man, the judge ordered the prisoner to come uu for sentence when called upon. " That means,'* he remarked "that you escape the puii-lmient which you richly deserve, and which I would have administered to you but for your physical disabilities."

A reminder is given that nomina tion.9 for the vacant seat on the Tuakau Town Board, caused by the death of Mr J. H. Craig, dose at noon on Friday next, polling (if any) being fixed for Friday, the 27th inst. Health conditions are now once again practically normal at Tuakau. Amongst the European population the deaths from influenza totalled 16, including four deaths at the temporary hospital. From the time the temporary hospital was inaugurated until it closed down about 30 patients were admitted thereto. Mr W. Mcßae Peacock, who reeenfly contracted influenza in a virulent form, is now well on the path to recovery. Prior to being stricken with the scourge Mr Peacock did admirable work whilst the epidemic was raging at its highest. Mr Peacock's motor car was always

at the disposal of the sick and he forked day and night conveying patients to the hospital. Mr E. T. Frost, who has had a protraoted illness, pneumonia supervening on an attack of the '• flu," is now out of danger and his many friends wish him a speedy recovery. Mr Dynes Fulton, also indefatigable in his efforts during the epidemic, has recovered from his attack of the "flu"

Mr W. J. Deeble, chairman of Tuakau Town Board, owing to family bereavements and acting on medical advice, has decided to close his business premises for three months. Mr Deeble intends taking a health recuperating trip to the Thames district.