MALINGERING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2170, 26 September 1895, Page 15

MALINGERING.

MELBOunNB, S-.p'.ember 19. The malingering of Abrahams was diocovered by means «f an electric battery. He lay completely supine, with hits eyes closetf, and had to be fed. He never spoke. The doctors reported that the stupor was the result of shock, and that it was impossible to cure him if he remained in a gaol environment. The prison doctor (Shields), believing that the prisoner was shamming, applied a battery. Abrahams stood the firot shock very well, bat when the charge waa increased he showed signs of distress. The doctor told him that if he would admit he was shamming he would stop the current. Prisoner admitted that he had been malingering, though he still refused to move or to feed himself. Farther tbreato of the battery, however, made him talk, eat, and walk about the room. It is probable that a similar cure will be tried with Louis Abrahams, who ia still in the condition from which bis brother is restored.

On this subject our Melbourne correspondent on the 7th: — The reinaiuiog two of the famous Abrahams quartet, who swindled the public in guns and tents, have just been sentenced. It ib three months since they were tried. The first two got 12 months each; these two, probably because they avoided sentence longer, have got 20 months. The fcur are e»ch to pay a fine of £250 also. When the first two brother* were sentenced they had to be carried into court by the g&ol warders, and when th« sentence was passed appeared ro be unconscious. The last two were in a worse physical condition than the younger brothers. Louis wa9 carried into court on an ambulance stretcher, on which he remained during the proceedings ; and Emannel, who presented a wasted appearance, was also carried in. but for a time was able to sit up in cou t. He collapsed, however, before the Fentence wrb panned. There ore come medical men who are ready euo igh to swear that the prisoners are really ill ; but Dr Shields, the gaol doctor, is a decent Scotchman, as hard-headed as naile, and with a wonderful nose for imposition ; and his firm belief is that they are maliDgerinij. Petitions have been prepared for a remission of sentence on the ground of their illhealtb, but if the Government are advteed by Dr Shields, the petitions stand no more chance of favourable consideration than would a prayer for rain ia the opinion of Judge Williams.