AMAZING CHARGE OF CRUELTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 11 April 1912, Page 3

AMAZING CHARGE OF CRUELTY

Sensational statements were made at Rugby Police Court last month during tho hearing of a cruelty charge against Samuel and Louisa Winn, shopkeepers, Craven Road, Rugby, in respect of a domestic servant named Mary Beatrice Edwards, aged 16. Some of the evidence was so revolting in character as to bo quite unfit for publication.

Mr Reddish, who prosecuted on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C., said that in January last the girl Edwards was beaten by Mrs Winn with a poker on the back and wrist. TKe female defendant also pulled the girl's ear to such an extent as to tear the lobe half an inch.

It was further stated that the girl had to do all the housework, rising at ii o'clock in the morning and remaining up till about midnight. She was never allowed o\it except on errands, and during nineteen months only had a bath twice. When tho society's inspector called in December, it was also stated, Mrs Winn threatened the girl with a thrashing if she did not tell him that her black eyes were caused by falling on a bucket, and the girl, under that threat,, did so. Mr H. H. Joy, who defended* said Mrs Winn was unable to attend, owing to the condition of her heart, and after some discussion it was decided that tho case against the mfte defendant- only would be proceeded with, it being alleged that Winn knew of certain acts by his wife, and did not interfere. Mary Beatrieo Edwards, in the witness box, stated that Mrs Winn was '■ both master and mistress." After witness had been in the employ of the Whins for a brief period, it was arranged to stop her wages —3s Gd a, week — and buy her clothes, but for many months she received no clothing. She had not a penny to buy a stamp for a letter to her sister.

Tier food, the witness added, consisted mainly of mouldy bread and meat unsold in tho shoo. On Christmas Day the family had turkey, her share being the head. Throughout tho whole of her service with defendants she did not have a nroner meal.

Margaret Robinson, Abeby Street, R-iigbv. said she had a conversation wit}) Winn in the strrec, and he admitted t) her that he knew his wife had beaten the girl.

Defendant, on oath, affirmed that the .statements of the girl were false. Sho was lazy and dirty. She had the same food .as the rest of the £atnily. "Mr Joy submitted Mint" there was no oorroboration of the''girl's .statements, and that all physical facts were .against the possibility of her .story. At tlie close of tho evidence the Chnivmnn said they found the male defendant guity of neglect only, and reserved judgment, pending tha case against his wife.