NURSING HOME CONDITIONS.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 May 1919, Page 5

NURSING HOME CONDITIONS.

o A TERRIBLE

At SjbutlTend, Sarah Ann Binstead, formerly of Witt-ring Court. Hadleigh,

and Harry Hall, estate agent, London Road,. Southend were charged with tiro manslaughter of Jessie Charlotte Bpurling, an inmate of,- a nursing home kept by the female defendant. Mr. Oliver, for the Treasury. said Miss Spur-ling was a helpless creature, like an animal. She never spoke except tfo grunt, was difficult to feed and was filthy in her habits. The foundation of the charge against Hall was that, under a power of attorney, given him by Mrs. Binstead he had effective control, or aided and abetted. A sister v of the deceased woman said Miss Spurling had been an imbecile for 16 Or 17 years. When witness visited the house in January sho found if in a horrible condition. Dr. Aclams. of Raykigh. gave evidence that the deceased died from decaused by starvation and neglect. Witness said ho had nor iced for months the place had been going to wreck and ruin. In consequence he wrote to Hall, telling him he must report, rli-.- matter to the medical officer. Hall came tV> him and asked him to postpone ir for a fortnight as he was selling the place The ease was adjourned.