CRUELTY TO A CHILD.

Colonist, Volume XXX, Issue 5024, 6 October 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

CRUELTY TO A CHILD.

(?er United Pre>9 Association. Dcnedin, October 4. A eerious case of child beating was heard at the Police Court to-day, Augusta Margaret Powell being charged with wounding, assault; ing, and UMreatiog Violet Powell. A neighbor deposed to being, called in on three separate occasions when.tbe child was. in fits. 6h« was shown marks on the body, which were eaid to be the results of falling. A boy, aged fourteen, said that wbile looking through tho

fence he saw the child being thrashed with a strap, and when she fell down Bhe'was thrashed to make her get up. Pr Martin said that he had first seen the child on the 10th September, and was informed that it had a fit the day before, but was then better. There was a small mark on its nose, said to have been caused by a fall when in a fit. Witness considered that waa quite possible, and as the child was better no further treatment was required. On Saturday he was called again, and observed blue and black marks on the child's face. On asking the cause he was told it was a fall the child bad bad the day bifore. Seeing bruises on the other side of the face hedouhted that statement. There were b lack mark* s all over the child's body, more especially on the left side alone, might account for the fits. The arm might have been broken by a fall against some he.rd substance, but for this injury there was no grievous bodily harm. Trie child was well nourished and fed. Mr Denniston for the defence contended that the only " grievous bodily harm" sustained by the child was the fracture of the arm* and there was no evidence to show that this was caused by the accused; nor to show any direct violence on her part; nor to show that she had any ill will towards the child, or any desire to do it an injury. She openly called in neighbors, and voluntarily stripped the child for their inspection. A reprimand or fine would meet tho case. The Bench found that the child had been very grossly treated, and would fine the accused £5, and order her to find sureties, herself in £200 an 3 another in the same sum, for her good conduct for six months. Inspector Weldon applied for costs, which were granted.