DEATH OF BABY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21009, 4 February 1943, Page 4

DEATH OF BABY

MAORI WOMAN’S TRIAL UNCERTAIN VERDICT CONTRIBUTORY NEGLECT (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 4. A charge of manslaughter of a seven-weeks-old baby was brought in the Supreme Court against its motriei, Te Liana Taorei, aged 32 years, a half-caste Maori. The accused was charged on two counts oi omitting to supply the child with the necessaries of life arid so causing its death, and of wilfully neglecting the child in a mannei likely to cause injury to its health. The Crown prosecutor, Mr. V. R. Meredith, said the baby, which was born on October 21 and was a normal, healthy one, weighed from 7 to 7£lbs. Dr. N. G,. McLean saw the child several times and on November 15 its condition was good and it appeared to be quite well nourished. On December 8 the child’s father, Hone Taorei, called to tell Dr. McLean that it had died that morning.

“I think the child had not had any food for at least seven days.” said Dr IF. F. Buckley, who conducted the riost-mortem examination.' He said the body was in a state .ol exueme emaciation.

Counsel for the defence said it was the first occasion in the district on whitfh any Maori woman had been accused oi deliberately neglecting her child. The evidence would show that the mother had bestowed every care upon it. ~ . , , . The accused, in evidence, stated sue had fed the baby regularly throughout the week before its death. The jury brought in a verdict of not guilty on the first charge, but that on the second charge they considered the accused guilty of contributory negligence, but not Of wilful negligence. His Honour pointed out that on the second count it was necessary to show wilful negligence. . The foreman said they considered that there had been a certain amount of negligence in lading to summon medical aid earlier, but they did not think. there was negligence in failing to supply nourishment. His Honour said he would reserve his decision on the verdict for consideration later.