FATHER'S CONDUCT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 130, 3 June 1937, Page 11

FATHER'S CONDUCT

REMOVAL OF SICK CHILD

MASTERTON PROSECUTION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

MASTERTON, June 2,

When Inspector Russell, of Masterton, attempted to have two children suffering from diphtheria removed from their home to hospital he was badly received and' reference was made to .a gun. The inspector communicated with the Health Department and an order was sent requiring the children to be removed. This the inspector-attempted to carry out, proceeding to the house with an ambulance and police. The police kept in the background and when the inspector presented the order it was snatched out of his hand and destroyed. An ambulance bearer and a constable were assaulted and the inspector came away without executing the order. These facts, which were related in the Magistrate's Court today, resulted in the appearance of John Leslie Fulton on a charge under section 84 of the Health Act, 1920, of obstructing, an order for the removal of his child-' to hospital. It was pointed out that the defendant had' recently lost a child from diphtheria and two others-; had developed it. •Upon counsel for the defendant being' assured that the order was rightly made, he said there was no defence to the charge, and after conferring with the defendant he intimated that he would give an undertalring that there would be no further obstruction. Counsel pleaded the very extenuating circuriistances of .the case. ■ The matter was adjourned until tomorrow morning. .' :