FARMER'S GRAVE OFFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19808, 1 December 1927, Page 16

FARMER'S GRAVE OFFENCE.

SIX YEARS' IMPRISONMENT. SCATHING COMMENT BY JUDGE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Wednesday. " I doulbt whether human beings who live in the lowest state of civilisation indulge in so disgusting a practice sb that to which you have confessed," said Mr. Justice Herdman in the Hamilton Supreme Court to-day when sentencing a Wardville farmer, Otto Schaare, aged 60, to six years' imprisonment with hard labour on three charges of incest to which he had pleaded guilty. Mr. M H. Hampson said Schaare had. been the sole protector of his . children and he had betrayed them in the worst possible way. During the last 14 years Schaare had worked very hard, and a fortnight ago, had he died, would hi»ve been regarded as an estimable, industrious and successful farmer. He had by his industry accumulated wealth, and it wa3 difficult to reconcile the two phases of his character. The Judge said it was difficult I>o believe that a man who should instinctively guard and protect his children should ruin not only one of them bat three of them. Addressing the prisoner, His Honor said : " There is nothing in the history of your family life which palliates your offence. Your case is a clear one for severe punishment, and that it becomes my dutv to inflict. In respect of each offence you will be sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hard labour, the sentences to be cumulative."