CHILD ILL-TREATED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23687, 20 December 1938, Page 9

CHILD ILL-TREATED

WOMAN'S SECOND OFFENCE A FINE IMPOSED (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Dec. 19. A charge of wilfully ill-treating a step-child was admitted in the Otahuhu Police Court by Ethel May Buckeride, who appeared before Mr W. R. McKean. S.M. Sergeant Daly said the child, aged 11, arrived at school on December 15, and her condition was brought to the staff's attention by her playmates. The child Welfare Department was advised and the child was examined by a doctor. His examination showed that the girl had received an unmerciful beating. The defendant had admitted . chastising the child, whom -he accused of thieving. She said she must have lost her temper. . The father was working away from home at the time. About night months ago, the defendant had thrashed another child and had made ihe same excuse then. In reply to the magistrate, the defendant said she could say a good deal, but preferred to say nothing. Mr McKean: I do not know what you pan say to justify the beatint? vou gave the child. He said the defendant had previously been warned. It was difficult to know what to do with a woman in this position. He entered a fine of £5 'with costs.