THREAT TO A BABY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 28 April 1937, Page 3

THREAT TO A BABY

CAUSTIC SODA IN MILK WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY [United Press Association] PALMERSTON N„ 27th April. Amy Louisa Graham, a married woman, residing with her husband at Rangiotu, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court before Justices of the Peace, that on 22nd February last, with intent to injure, she attempted to cause caustic soda to be taken by an infant, Joyce Elizabeth Mason. Mrs Mason, mother of the child, stated that she and her husband lived next to the Grahams. On 22nd February witness and her husband with the baby and Mr Graham went to the Woodville races. Witness left some milk in the baby’s measure standing in a dish of water in the bath, and covered with muslin. She took the key of the house with her. The accused saw the party leave. Some of the same milk was given to the baby at the races, and the baby suffered no ill effects. On her return from the races witness went to prepare the baby’s milk. On removing the muslin she found that the milk had a frothy head. A sample was handed to the police later. On two previous occasions witness noticed similar occurrences to the milk. She said there had been unpleasant incidents between herself and the accused.

An acting Government analyst said there was .4 per cent, of caustic soda in the milk sample handed to the police.

The accused pleaded guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was refused.