WALTHAM ORPHANAGE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7944, 20 January 1906, Page 5

WALTHAM ORPHANAGE.

MRS CARPENTER'S EVIDENCE. CHRISTCHURCH, Jauuary 19. At the Waltham Orphanage enquiry to-day evidence was given by Mrs Carpenter, matron of the institution. Witness said she nevercalled the children "bastards," because they were not. She put up the word "Bilence" in the bedrooms and the passages to remind the children to be quiet. She used to inflict corporal punishment on the children. It was necessary to do so. She was never more severe than necessary. In regard to the* Andrews' girls dresses on St. Patrick's Day the children wanted some green and witness asked if they would like green dresses, and they said "yes," and witness got them the green dresses and hats. The hats were made ugly by being turned into bonnets. The girls never complained about the dresses. Witness had no intention of making them ridiculous. Tbe ohildren never complained about the food. There was a little difference between tho children's food, and hers, but not much, and no more than she considered she was entitled to as an official; When they went without potatoes it was because they were very dear at the time. She admitted having said "darn the children," and called them "little devils" iu heated moments. The ohildren were very trying at tims, and after she had had a severe illness it was hard to bear with them. The enquiry adjourned till February 2nd instant.