SHOCKING BRUTALITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11229, 25 November 1899, Page 2 (Supplement)

SHOCKING BRUTALITY.

HUSBAND'S AWFUL TREATMENT OF A DYING WIFE. A story of brutal cruelty on the part of a husband to his dying wife was told at an inquest at Rotherhithe, lately. The inquest was on tho body of Amelia Staples, 42. P.O. Lovie said that on the 19th nit, he was called to the house by a neighbour. The son was lying in the passage and the deceased in her bed. She told the witness that she had little hopes of recovery owing to her husband's brutality, and that he had placed two cats on her bed and had caused them to fight. She asked the witness to remain in the neighbourhood to protect her. He did so, and heard Staples carrying on until five o'clock in the morning, shouting and singing and using most vile language. Another witness stated that Staples one night pulled his wife out of bed, and tore her night-dress to atoms. The doctor said that death was due to syncope consequent on pneumonia, and that the treatment the woman had received would no doubt accelerate her death, The coroner, in summing up, said it was a shocking case. The husband had acted in a horrible and brutal way to his dying wife at a time when she was entitled to every care and consideration, though he had managed to keep himself outside the law. He had to express his horror and disgust at any human being acting in such a manner. He regretted that, when Staples pulled her out of bed and tore her clothes, she did not obtain a separation, which any magistrate would have granted. Had such been done, her life would no doubt have been prolonged. The jury deliberated in private, and eventually returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, but desired the coroner to severely censure Staples. The Coroner (to Staples): The jury are of opinion that you acted towards your dying wife in a horrible, and brutal manner, and regret that you do not come within the law so that you might have been committed for manslaughter. Your conduct has been a perfect disgrace to yourself and your species,