SCHOOL SCANDAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 161, 10 July 1930, Page 7

SCHOOL SCANDAL.

PRINCIPAL CHARGED. Death of Child Alleged Due to Neglect. SHOCKING REVELATIONS. (United P.A.-Electric Telegraph-Copyright) (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, July 9. That one child died from pneiv monia following measles, and nine others suffered from ringworm and eczema owing to neglect, is the allegation against Mrs. Hilda Fearn principal of the Merevale High School, Bickley, made by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Nine children, aged five to nine, with bandaged heads, appeared in Court when the case began. i ' The prosecutor said that Mrs. Fearn did not call a doctor to the measles cases because, on her own statement, she owed him money and her cheque had been dishonoured. When a doctor ultimately did call, he did not see Veronica Budd, who eventually died, until it was too late. He then found three more cases of measles, and suggested that a nurse would be necessary, but none was employed. The child Budd's parents had previously been told that she was quite well, although she was suffering from measles. The society's officials found the child suffering from measles and practically starving. Eight others were afflicted with ringworm; one girl of five was bald. Nurses, who Avere called in later, gave evidence that the child Budd's bedroom was dis- | gustingly dirty. I The case was adjourned.