CHILD THRASHED

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20832, 16 June 1939, Page 2

CHILD THRASHED

MAORI SENT TO GAOL GFRfL ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL WHAN GAR El, Thursday A sentence of two months' imprisonment with hard labour was imposed by Mr G. N. Morris, 5.M., on u Maori, Hori lhariara, in the Police Court at Rawene, on a charge of common assault against his 12-year-old daughter. He pleaded guilty, but said that he did not think the matter was as serious as was stated. “ Dr. Smith, who has examined the girl, has stated that he had never before seen such a serious case," said the magistrate. “In his report the doctor said that the girl’s body and head were covered with old scars and that she was now in hospital suffering from injuries received as the result of being thrashed with a stick." Mr Morris said that it had been decided to place the girl under the care of the Child Welfare Department, and the magistrate warned accused that if he were to ill-treat any of his other children the Court would not be inclined to grant leniency, “ Accused is not working," said Constable Frain in evidence, “ and lives with his six children in a one-roomed shack with only on bed and very few blankets."