A SERIOUS CHARGE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9546, 30 September 1892, Page 2

A SERIOUS CHARGE.

(Fee United Feess Association.) Woodville, September 29. The information laid by Dr Davenport against William Syms, J.P. and chemist, was heard to-day before Mr Tumbull, R.M. Mr Baker appeared for the informant, . and Mr Edwards for the accused. In opening the case,' Mr Baker explained the circumstances which had rendered it a necessary duty on the informant to lay this information. He proposed to call evidence to show that accused had performed an illegal operation upon Elizabeth Hall. Mrs Hall had asked accused who was the best doctor, and ha told her neither was of much account, and proposed to treat her himself. He then became intimate with her, and committed the offence alleged in the information. Elizabeth Hall was called, and his Worship advised her that if she were asked any question tending to criminate her she need not answer it. Mr Baker protested that this intimation was calculated to prejudice the interests of justice. Mr Edwards contended that the witness should be fully warned of her position as a witness. Mrs Hall, in the course of her evidence, admitted having been intimate with accused, who had given her certain medicines and used instruments. She was subsequently attended by Dr Davenport, to whom she made a statement. She afterwards went to the Waipukurau Hospital. In cross-exami-nation she said she had been charged with being a person of unsound mind. She had been treated by doctors for two years for an internal derangement.