THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A SERVANT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8538, 11 April 1891, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A SERVANT.

VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER. Mr. Morrison resumed an inquest at the Public Hall, Horley, on February 19, into the death of Annie Sarah Lucy Amelia Scott, aged 18, a domestic servant, lately in the service of Mr. Jonathan Brown, builder, of Lumley Road, Horley, who died on January the 24tb, from concussion of the brain, the rosult of serious injuries to the head, alleged to have been caused by the ill-treatment she had received at the hands of her mistress.

The coroner went at considerable length through the evidence, and observed that that tendered by Mrs. Brown was in' direct conflict with all the other witnesses. There could be no doubt she had a most violent temper, and he (the coroner) could hardly find words to express his indignation at her treatment of the deceased girl. The jury, after 45 minutes' deliberation, returned a verdict of " Manslaughter" against Mrs. Brown, who was committed for trial on the coroner's warrant, and admitted to bail. " . The verdict was awaited by a large crowd, who expressed their approval of it. . MISTRESS COMMITTED. Mrs. Jonathan Brown, wife of a builder, of Lumley Road, Horley, was charged at Reigate with the manslaughter of Annie S. I* A. Scott, or Cox, aged 18 years, a domestic servant in her employ, who died on January 24 from the effects of alleged ill-treatment. Mr. Moreton Phillips, solicitor, appeared to prosecute on behalf of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and Mr. G. W. Dennis, of Croydon, was for the defence. The facts of the case, as elicited before the coroner, went to show that the prisoner had treated the girl with great cruelty, death being due to serous apoplexy brought on- by the ■injuries. Mr. Phillips said that a great deal of the evidence that was admissible before the coroner could nob be given before the Bench. There was, however, sufficient to show that the prisoner's treatment of the deceased was very severe, and that her conduct was nob that of a good mistress. It would be for the Bench to" say whether a prima facie case had been made oub to enable them to commit the prisoner for trial on the full charge. Several witnesses were then called, and, in reply to the usual caution, the prisoner said she was innocent, bub reserved her defence. The Bench, in committing her for trial, said they would accept' the same sureties as the coroner— namely, two in £100 each. ••-••-- •-. •