GRAVE CHARGES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 113, 14 May 1936, Page 16

GRAVE CHARGES.

MARRIED WOMAN ON TRIAL USE OF INSTRUMENT ALLEGED. (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. Evidence from Crown witnesses in the case against Rubena Shirley, a married woman, of 42, Alpha Road, who was charged with unlawfully using an instrument on Mrs. Catterina Maria Hill and on two other women, was heard in the Supreme Court to-day by Mr. Justice Northeroft. Mrs. Hill died in the Christchurch Public Hospital on March 27. Evidence was heard first in the case of the other women, whose names his Honor requested should not be published. The husband of one woman said he took his wife to Mrs. Shirley, who asked a fee of £15. There had been a series of brief visits. His wife also gave evidence of visits and the use of an instrument. Dr. L. B. Stringer gave evidence that he had been called to attend the previous witness at Mrs. Shirley's home. He had warned Mrs. Shirley against having dealings in such cases, and told her not to call him in again to them. On a previous occasion he gave her a similar warning, and Mrs. Shirley replied that she would lose her home if she had no dealings with such cases. A farm labourer told how he had taken a girl to Mrs. Shirley in December, 1934. The prce of £15 was asked. The girl concerned gave evidence that an operation had been performed. Edward John Hill, commission agent, of Greymouth, said that he took his wife to Mrs. Shirley on March 15 and following days. The fee was £15. On March 20 he took his wife to a nursing

home, where she was seen by Dr. Bennett. She was then taken to hospital* where she remained until March 24. On March 26 Dr. Bennett ordered her' into hospital again, and she died there next morning. • James Barett Bluett, chemist, of Greymouth, said he had referred Hilt to Mrs.. Shirley. The hearing was adjourned.