STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(IVom Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.) CHARGE OP MANSLAUGHTER. Stratford, June 19. • Margaret Elizabeth Close, a single woman, aged 21 years, was charged on remand, before Messrs S. B. Hunter and J. Masters, Justices of the Peace, yesterday with having committed manslaughter on an infant male child on May 14th. Sergeant Dale conducted for the prosecution and the accused was represented by Mr. Wright. The evidence showed that the accused gave birth to the child in a fowl house. The following day it was removed to the hospital, where it died as a result of its condition on admission.

Dr. Gordon, who attended the child on the 15th, said she took it, to be. an 81b baby." The pneumonic condition of the lungs was responsible for the death of the child. She thought that if the child had been bora under proper-condi-tions and had had proper care it would have lived. There was a cut on the forehead of the child, which might have been caused when placing it in the box in the fowl house in which it was found. The mother was physically strong but weak-willed. She was not the type of person to be left at large in the world. Sho was consulted by accused early in December about her condition. At that time accused wished witness to give her drugs with the object of procuring a miscarriage. She understood that the child had .been exposed for about 20 minutes after birth. Sarah G. Beedle, matron of the hospital, stated that at 9.20 a.m. on May 15 the child was given into her care at the hospital. It waswery blue and cold, and was not breathing freely. Dr. Watt saw the child ten minutes after admission and gave instructions as to treatment. The child was given a warm bath and placed in a warm blanket. As breathing was very difficult owing to a Stoppage of the nostril with refuse from the fowl-house, the nose wo" syringed. The child, though it improve at about four o'clock the following morning, later became worse, and died in the evening. Margaret Close, mother of the accused, stated that on the day the child was born her daughter had been engaged during the morning in scrubbing and cleaning. At 12 o'clock witness missed her, and on calling her received an answer from the fowl-house. Accused returned to the house in about half an hour and, on being questioned, admitted that ehe had given birth to a child. Witness spoke to the father of accused, who went to the fowl-house and found the child in a box. He brought it back to the house and witness washed and dressed the child and wrapped it in a blanket. The next morning the child was not so well, and she sent for a doctor. She did all she could to save the child's life. Her daughter had previously given birth to an illegitimate child. This was twelve months ago last November. That child was still living. The accused was a healthy girl, but weak mentally. She did not know that accused had visited Dr. Gordon with a view to obtaining drugs. Evidence w..s also given by Thomas B. Close, father of accused. Accused, who was committed for trial at the Supreme Court, pleaded not guilty and reserved her defence. Ball was allowed—accused £2OO and one suretv of £ 100. '

GENERAL. la a cribbage match, Te Poko v. Stratford, the latter team won by eleven games. The individual scores were (Te Polco players being mentioned first): Tocker and Steer 0 v- Whittington and Scannol 7, Hawkins and Johnson 9 v. Nelson and Neal 4, Slaten and Smith 0 v. Clifton and Sharrock 5, Agent and Gibbs 5 v. Hawke and Collingwood 9. Davidson and Le Rois 7 v. Watkins and Mann 7, Brooks and Aldridge 5 v. Read and Smith 0, Knox and Blanchard 3 v. Jackson and Rowe 6, Kenny 3 v. Green 9.

The Stratford Club meets the Denbigh Road Club to-day (Friday) week At a meeting of parents of the members of the Stratford branch of the Boy Scouts, District Scoutmaster Alger, in dealing with the financial position of the Scouts, said that, while it was contrary to their principles to ask for financial assistance, it was impossible to get along without funds. At present they relied upon the monthly subscription of fourpence per member, but this was not sufficient to meet their general expenses. The amount now in hand was 8s 4d and they owed 5s 4d. As'' a result of their poor financial position they were unable to purchase badges and other necessary equipment. They had hoped in convening the meeting to arouse a livelier interest in the movement. It had been suggested that they hold a social at an early date, and this, he thought, was an excellent idea. Every assistance would be given by the Boy Scouts to make the social a success, and an opportunity would be given those attending the social to inspect the work of the Scouts. A ladies' committee, consisting of Mesdames Alger, Childs, Grubb, Instill, Plaice, and Rudings, was set up to organise the social, and the following were apointed a district scout committee to watch over the movement and receive subscriptions: Messrs J. McMillan (chairman), Sherbourne (secretary), Butcher, W. P. Brown, A. F. Grant, T. G. Grubb, J. Pearcc, and C. C. M. Young. The Rev. Howard was re-elected chaplain. A social in aid of the Belgian stall at [ the forthcoming Catholic bazaar was held in the Foresters' Hall last evening, when a number of enthusiastic dancers occupied the floor. Music was supplied by Mrs. Bianchf, Mi9s Daly playing extras. Songs were given, by Mrs. C. Massey, Miss Black, and Mr. Coe, and Mr. Cotter played a violin solo. Mr- F. Jans acted as M.C. for the dance,

POSTED DIRECT FOR 2s Cd. One Good Luck Writing Pad, One Packet Envelopes, One Penholder and Nip, One H.B. Lead Pencil. The pad is a new ,line, and good. Send postal note or stamps.—Charles E. James, Box 21, Stratford.—Advt.