The Otaki Manslaughter Case.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11713, 18 August 1902, Page 5

The Otaki Manslaughter Case.

THE CASE STILL PROCEEDING.

Per Press Association,

WELLINGTON, August 16,

The trial of Drake for the alleged manslaughter of her daughter Dorothy, aged eight years, was continued today.

For the Defence, uesSie Bieknell, who had been, governess. to #he Drake children, said she had abundant opportunity of observing Mrs. Drake's treatment of her family, and foundi her a most devoted mother.

Mrs. Annie Barraud, Mho had resided at Otaki, said the Drake children, including the deceased, ai'.way.s appeared happy.

Mrs. Ada Hayes., who had been in service at Mis. Drake's, gave corroborative evidence. No difference was made by accused in Her treatment of Dorothy and the others.

Mrs. Reesi, Alfred Knox, Kaitherine Bird, and Matilda Greeks gave similar teetimony.

Prisoner elected fe> give evidence on her own behalf. She admitted having tied the child to a. fence to keep it from mischief, but denied cruelty. She admitted having beaten the child with, a whip on the day of death, but denied having used undue severity. She denied having ever treated Dorothy • different from the other children, having entertained a dislike towards her, "having1 accused her husband of impropriety with a servant, having broken a hail1 brush, on Dorothy's head on a previous occasion, having spoken to Dr. Power suggesting there should be no inquiry as to death, or having made statements to Constable O'Rourke and Detective McGrath about beating the child severely. At the conclusion of prisoner's evidence the 'Court adjourned ■ the further hearing of the case uttt.il Monday.

CABLBB.