GIRL IN THE TAXI.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 121, 27 June 1914, Page 11

GIRL IN THE TAXI.

A NEW HOME. A FURTHER REMAND. The young girl whose ease excited so much comment a fortnight ago, was again brought before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., in the Juvenile Court tlihs morning. A new element in the case "was introduced by an application made by Mr $\ W. Johnston for a further remand. Mr Johnston said that he wished to obviate the possibility of the girl being committed to a Home, lie asked for a further remand so that enquiries might be made as to whether an undertaking would be given by a suitable person to give her a home. If this understanding were given the proceedings might rest there. His application was made in the interests of the girl, who would have a much better chance if she were sent to a respectable home. The Magistrate: I quite agree with you. . There is strong prima facie evidence that the mother is not a proper person to have charge of her.

Mr Johnston said that he had spoken to Sub-Inspector M'Kinnon about the matter.

Mr Bishop said that he had no objection to the course proposed. The court procedure was rather peculiar, as these were the only circumstances he know of in which a magistrate became acquainted with the facts before a case came before him. The police supplied him with their brief, so that he was acquainted with the whole of the circumstances. If Mr Johnston could get a proper home for the girl that would be the best solution of her case. There was no desire on the ]>art of the court to commit children, when they would beconre charges on the State, and possibly did not benefit much. Sub-Inspector M'Kinnon said that the mother had refused to give the police any information whatever. Mr Bishop: That shows the attitude of the mother. Mr Johnston said that the mother was endeavouring to avoid publicity. They did not want the name of the relative who might receive the girl to be published. Mr Bishop said that Mr Johnston's suggestion was a very proper one. He would, of course, submit his information to the polite, so that it could be tested.

Mr Johnston: I will give the police full information. The case was remanded for a week.