LOSS OF MEMORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1920, Page 5

LOSS OF MEMORY.

CHILD BEATTKG ALLEGED. A .MAX'S PECULIAR WAYS. By Telegraph.—Pres? Association. Wellington. Last. Night. In the Magistrate's Court ibis afternoon Charles Gra._vr.dler, secretary of the Shearers' Union, was charged with having ill-treated and beaten his ilree children, aged 8, 11, and 13. Medical evidence showed a bruised head ;iiul bouy, apparently canned by a strap or sties and kicks. There were some bruises accompanied by abrasions and tke children were suffering from shock, but well-nourished. Called as a witness for the defence, Dr. Foulke said the defendant, when witness first saw him, appeared to be suffering from the after etfe-ts of influenza. He was mentally confused and in some respects appeared to have lost his memory. Witness directed his removal to a private hospital and in such an institution Grayndler remained for a time under witness's observation. Defendant's nervous condition was m many resperts abnormal. In witness's opinion Grayndler could not te held responsible for what had • happened. Grayndler had delusions about his wife and a Maori. He required complete rest.

To Sub-Inspector Emerson: In my opinion the defendant did not realise he was beating the children. lb; was not aware he was doing tlie children injury. Other witnesses gave evidence bearin? on the state of i'irayndler's nerves. Grayndler, in evidence, sa:rt he did not remember having beaten the children, but he believed their statements. He has searched his mind, but could not recollect what had happened. He had reared eight children and was fond of them all.

To Sub-Inspector Emerson: His condition had been brought about through over-work during the past five years. He had refused to accept a holiday till he had completed his v.x.rk. To the Magistrate: Since leaving hospital he had been staying at a boardinghouse. His wife had always been a good one and a good motllc-r to the children.

The decision was reserved Till Friday morning.