GRAVE CHARGES

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20498, 14 May 1938, Page 8

GRAVE CHARGES

DIRECTOR .IN COURT BLIND MEN GIVE EVIDENCE INTERVIEWS WITH INMATES (Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Saturday In the Police Court yesterday Clutha Nantes Mackenzie, director of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, was charged on 16 counts with indecent assault on males between December 17, 1933, and March 24, 1933. Mr A. H. Johnstone, K.C., and Mr F. L. G. West appeared for accused. Evidence was given by eleven youths and men, all present or former inmates of the institute. Some of the witnesses were totally blind and the remainder had various degrees of defective eyesight. Two were completely deaf, and gave their evidence in writing. All stated that in the course of interviews with the accused in his office accused expressed a wish to examine them physically, and in doing so placed his hands upon them in a certain way. Interview With Detective Some of the witnesses stated that before examining them the accused asked them questions concerning their health and habits, and particularly whether they suffered from rupture. Some also alleged that he questioned them on matters of sex. An official of the institute stated that at Featlierston in uctober, 19°6, lie took a previous witness to accused's bedroom. He was under the impression that the purpose was to discuss the man's re-admission to the institute. Detective Thomas Sneddon gave evidence that on April 20 he interviewed the accused in company with Detec-tive-Sergeant Walsh. Witness said he wished to speak to him about complaints made by inmates and exinmates. The accused said that he had heard such rumours about the institution. The matter was one for the board of trustees as well as for himself. The chairman had advised him that he should have a lawyer with him at any interview with the police, to look after his and the board's interests. Hearing Adjourned Mr Johnstone said that he proposed to address the Court at some length. The Magistrate: You do not propose to call witnesses? Mr Johnstone said he did not. He intended to submit that there was no case to go to a jury. He desired time in which to go carefully through the evidence. The Magistrate: Some of the charges would not go beyond the Grand Jury; 1 will hold that. There are also some which it would be of no use to send forward, even if they got past the Grand Jury. The hearing,was adjourned until Tuesday afternoon.