MURDER IN OAMARU GAOL,

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1081, 27 April 1880, Page 2

MURDER IN O AMARU GAOL,

A terrible murder of her child was committed last Sunday morning by the woman Julia Paul, who was sentenced fco eight days' imprisonment at the Resident Magistrate's Court last Saturday morning for violent conduct in the gaol while in a state of excitement from drink the night before. It appears from the gaoler's report that on Friday night the unfortunate woman, who was one of the notorious bad characthers of the town, was taken to the police station in a state of mad intoxication, and was so violent that it required three constables so hold her. The straight jacket was put on her, too, and she was placed to sleep on the ffr>QX.,of the celir 8h«" appeared to have recovered in about an hour, but the straight jacket was not removed till morning. On Saturday she attended the^ Resident Magistrate's Court, and was taken back to the gaol after the hearing of her case. She was then visited by Dr. Garland, who Baid he thought she was in a sensible condition. At about 3 p.ra on Saturday a little girl brought the prisoner's baby, aged 8 months to the gaol, and the mother semed very pleased to receive it. The- gaoler saw her several times after that in the course of the afternoon, and she appeared to be perfectly quiet and cheerful in her manners, and partook heartly of her food at tea. At 7.45 she wont to bed with her baby. At about 3.48 yesterday morning the gaoler was aroused by loud cries from the cell where prisoner was confined, and immediately proceeded there in company with Constables Cameron and M'Gaughran. On opening the cell door they saw the prisoner dashing her infant against the stone wall. At their entry she dropped the child on the floor, and it expired in a few seconds. They secured the prisoner again and Dr. Garland was sent for, though his services wore unavailing, the child being beyond restoration.