The Stoke Industrial School.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 50, 25 September 1900, Page 3

The Stoke Industrial School.

Nsiaon, September 21. The Court resumed to-day. Mr Fell defending Brother Kuban, said he proposed to call Hg contradicted the I'le^ed assaults, either in toto or liy v/ay of explanation. He closed Ji's remarks by describing the diaries as trumpery. James Sloan, know in religion as Broihor Kalian, gave evidence that lie had been prefect at tho Sloke Scqool. He punished Davis at -eveDUij prayer, about August, 1899. Witness then gave him one slap with his open left hand on the side ■of ibe head, an ordinary box on the ears, ruch as parents often give tbfeu 1 children. Witness did not think the blow could possibly have discoloured Davis eye, as he did not notice any marks on tho boy's feco <i fierwards. He never punished Davis before or since. Brother Eillian, charged with ■asssallmg the boy Davis by striking him in the eye, was commuted for twal. Bail, himself in £50 and two sure ica in £25 sacb, was forthcoming. iirother Wibertus was charged with committing indecency in respect to a boy. The charge was laid under the Criminal Code Act. The Court was cleared, and tho evidence is unfit for publication. Two lads corroborated to the extent that there was opportunity for the offence.

Sept. 22. Counsel this morning agreed to take evidence simultaneously in the four remaining informations against Wibertus on charges of indecency. The evidence was unfit for publication. The alleged number of acts of indecency was in respect to five boys. Witnesses came from as far away as New Plymouth, Kaponga, Eketahuna and Mangaweka. Evidence was not concludod at the time the Court adjourned, at one o'clock, and will be resumed on Monday, when Mr Pell, for the defence, will intimate whether he intends to cross-examine the witnesses. After the indecency *ascs are concluded, others of common assault wiJl be proceeded $?:t&. Accused, was allowed the ime Mi as m the previous day.