Alleged Use Of Hypodermic By Welfare Officer

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1948, Page 2

Alleged Use Of Hypodermic By Welfare Officer

(P.A.) NAPIER, This Day. An allegation that a child welfare officer had used a hypodermic needle on a 13-year-old girl to force from her a confession of theft was made In the Magistrate’s Court this morning. The accused, Phyllis Muriel Kidd, aged 38, single, a former senior woman officer of the Child Welfare Department, Hawke’s Bay, was charged with ill-treating a child over whom she had control, so as to cause her unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

Evidence was given by the girl concerned that in July, 1946, she was committed to the care of the Child Welfare Department and went to live on a farm at Omakehe. In June, 1947, witness took a £ 5 note from the bedroom of a schoolteacher at Omakere and went to Waipawa where she bought a number of things. When questioned by the teacher witness denied taking the money. A few days later, she said, Miss Kidd called and she again denied the theft. Miss Kidd produced a hypodermic needle and again asked witness if she had taken the money. When witness answered “no” Miss Kidd replied: You have 32 lovely teeth in your head. I will give you a prick for each one.” Witness alleged that Miss Kidd stuck a needle into each of her arms 10 times and said there were still 12 times to go. Later, on the advice of the matron of a home in Waipawa, witness confessed to the theft.

Evidence was also given by the girl’s mother and by the teacher. The latter said that she was not present at the interview between the girl and Miss Kidd. Miss Kidd earlier had asked witness’s daughter to obtain some cotton wool. Aftei’ the interview the child appeared quite normal and showed no signs of physical or mental stress. The hearing is proceeding.