THIS DAY.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3866, 20 May 1881, Page 2

THIS DAY.

(Before H. Kenriek, Esq., E,M.) BBEACH OF PUBLIC HEALTH ACT.

John Tusker was charged with neglecting to report to the local Board of Health a case of scarlet fever in his family, Defendant pleaded ignorance of the law. If he had known it was necessary to report he would have done so. J. B Mason, officer of the local Board of Health, produced his. appointment, likewise the Gazette defining the boundaries of the Borough. V Jfa M. H; Payne, having affirmed, deposed—l am a duly qualified medical practitioner. I know (he defendant and his place of residence. On the 7th of A»«y! Was called to attend a child of his. The child was suffering from scarlet fever. Sparlet fever and scarletina are the same. I informed Tasker of the nature of the disease. .-... - .•.,.'. ..." ■ -..,, •■ ■■ . ■ ■■■-

J. B. Mason deposed that no notice Jiad been lodged at the office of the Board of Health concerning the ease of setrlet fever in Tasker's family. The first in* foruiatibu the Board received was the day

| after the child died, when Dr Payne reported it. Immediately after the ineeting'df the Board of Health he visited defendant 8 residence and asked him why he had not reported. Defendant said Dr "^^.S^.*"" "' " Defendant made a statement to the effect that Dr Payne did not tell him the dißease was scarlet fever. On Monday ano I tber of »"* children took ill the same throat, and it was now running about. The baby that died could take no nourishment. His Worship said that the medical officer of the Board should hare reported, and he would dismiss the case on these grounds only.

WITHDBA.WINO AN INFORMATION* • Mr Brassey appeared for permission to withdraw an information laid by .Mr Butcher against three Maories for the larceny of six pigs. His Worship, in withdrawing the information j spoke strongly of the action of people bringing criminal actions when ciril actions should have been laid. The complainant in this case, had applied for a warrant .againßl the natives which.he (the 8.M.) refused, and on making enquiries found that the natives were not the persons guilty at all.