THE WOODVILLE CASE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2407, 4 October 1892, Page 4

THE WOODVILLE CASE.

The information laid by Dr Davenport against William Syrns, J.P., chemist, was commenced at Woodville on Thursday, before Mr Turnbull R.M., Mr Baker for informant, Mr Edwards for accused. In opening the case Mr Baker explained the circumstances which rendered it a necessary duty of informant to lay the information. He proposed to call evidence to show that accused performed an illegal operation upon Elizabeth Hall. Mrs Hall asked accused who was the best doctor and he told her neither was much i account, and proposed to treat her himself, became intimate with her, and used precautions to prevent pregnancy. As a result, however, an irregularity set in, and he proposed to show that accused gave medicine and used an instrument resulting in a miscarriage. The medical evidence would show this. Elizabeth Hall was called and His Worship advised her that if she were asked any qnestion tending to criminate her, she need not answer. Mr Baker protested that this intimation was calculated to prejudice the interests of justice. Mr Edwards contended that she should be fully warned of her position as a witness. Elizabeth Hall stated that she visited the accused, who treated her. He was intimate with her, and when she complained to him of an irregularity, accused gave her medicine' and used an instrument. She rccoguised the catheter produced ns similar to that used by accused. After the use -it the instrument she suffered pain, became confined to her bed, and was attended by Dr Davenport. Elizabeth Hall, in continuing her evidence said that she had been very ill after the use of the instrument. She informed Dr Davenport that accused had taken advantage of her, and had ilsod an instrument on her. She also made a statement to a similar effect to Constable Treanor. After her illness she went to the Wjiipukurau Hospital, where ehe was examined by Dr Reid. During the last fortnight in which accused was treating her he gave her medicine, which lie said would make her all right. After taking the medicine she felt very ill The witness was cross-examined by Mr Edwards, and in reply to questions atated that she had been charged with being a person of unsound mind. She had been treated by the doctors for an internal derangement for two years. Accused used two instruments upon her. The case was resumed on Friday. Constable Treanor gave evidence. He said Mrs Hall lay ill at her sister- in-law's and he took a statement from her. This was that accused had given her medicine, stating that this would put her right. , Mrs Hall's statement in court was not quite the same as given him. Norah Walsh, sister-in-law of Mrs Hall stated the came from Woodville to her houso, where she became She was , seized with vomiting and suffered great pain. At Mrs Hail'* request Dr Davenport was called in. &kn considered the ■igns not consistent with o«s«J.ai;y illness, which Mrs Hall said was the malte? with her. She ?aw Mrs Hall take medieii.ue,, which inade her very ill and vomit. ' Dr Payenport, said that from information obtained, and his own examination, he reported Mrs Hall's case to the police. Mrs Han was ill a dangerous condition, and he was' pf«i!o.'.>t .when , Constable Treanor took her Drugs would assist the operation iPflih? on j her, and witness found that the modioli.-3 ' given Mra Hall had enjuiLned ergot and would tend to produce abortion. Ho never told anyone ho would havt Syins turned oat of the place. He reported the matter to the police because he thought it a criminal case. Witness was asked whether he had given Mr Haggen a written statement but ho declined to answer, upon counsel warning him he might be imprisoned for criminal libel for d«ing his duty. The case was adjourned until October 10th. The accused was admitted to bail on his own recognisances for £IOO, and one surety to the same amount.