THE LATE ALLEGED CRUEL TREATMENT OF A CHILD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4291, 14 August 1875, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE LATE ALLEGED CRUEL TREATMENT OF A CHILD.

To the Editor of tho Herald. Sir, —I respectfully beg to call your attention to the practice now in vogue with certain papers, of publishing, without verifying, libellous or unsubstantiated statements which might seriously injuro for life tho person attacked. I refer to the matter respecting a reported case of brutal treatment, printed in a sensational manner by the papers I refer to, of tho 11th instant, and affecting one of our public servants, which statements, on being enquired into by Serfeant O'Connor and Detectives Grace and effrey, were found to be unfounded, and a myth. I certainly think that any statements affecting any of our public servants should be received with caution, and verified before being published and commented on in such a libellous and sensational manner, for the purpose of making a catch-penny.—l am, tc., One who does not relieve in Sensational Journalism. P.S.—I ask you to print the subjoined certificate, signed by Dr. Lee:—"Albertstreet, August 12, 1876. —This is to certify that on tho above date I examined the person of a male infant (10) ten months old, named Edwin James Axato, and found him perfectly freo from any bodily marks or bruises, or any indications of such whatever, over any part; of the body. The infant was lively, laughing," and in perfect health.—J. L. W r . Lee., L.M.P., N.Z., Surgeon, &o."