ALLEGED ILL-TREATMENT OF CHILDREN.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15311, 26 February 1920, Page 7

ALLEGED ILL-TREATMENT OF CHILDREN.

A PECULIAR CASE

[Per United Press Association.]

Wellington, Feb. 25

The case against Charles Grayndler, secretary of the Shearers' Union, who is charged with having ill-treated three young children, was again before the Court. Br. Faulkner, called for the defence, said the defendant when witness first saw him appeared to be suffering from the effects of influenza. He was mentally confused, and in some respects appeared to have lost his memory. Witness directed his removal to a private hospital and in such institution Grayndler remained for a time under witness's observation. Defendant's nervous condition in many respects was abnormal. In witness's opinion Grayndler could not be held responsible for what had happened. Grayndler has delusions about his wife and a Maori. He required complete rost. In reply to Sub-Inspector Emerson^ witness said that in his opinion the defendant did not realise that he was beating the children. He was not aware that he was doing the children injury. Other witnesses gave evidence bearing on the state of Grayndler's nerves.

Grayndler, in evidence, said he did not remember having beaten the children, but he believed their statements. tie had searched his mind, but could [ not recollect •ft-hat had happened. He hnd reared eight children, and was fond of them all. His condition had been brought about thwragh over-worry during the past five years % He had refnsed to accept holidays till he had completed his work. *"' . To the Magistrate: Since leaving| the hospital he had been staying at a! beardinghonse. His wife had always 'been a good one and a good mother to the children. Decision was reserved till Friday.