Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
16 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
THE PEMBROKE SCANDAL.
THE PEMBROKE SCANDAL. Inquiry Concluded. The Porter and the Pauper THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE HOUSE. Mr. H. R. Wdli.ims. inspector, proceeded with the adjourned Local Government Board In- auiry into the charges against the Master of the Pembroke \\crkhouse, and the administration f!' the I generally, on Friday. M". R. D. Cilbert30:i again, appeared for the Ma-ster 'Mr. C. Flutter), :ind Mr. Walter Jarne.. for Xurse V.'ngg. There was again a large at- tendance of members of the Board of Guard- Ü1TIS. TME MATRON'S EVIDENCE. The nrst v/'tne's called was the matron, Mrs. Marv Elizabeth Flutter, \vho said that she had held the pu:tion for 29 years. It was her prac- tice to visit the wards of the Infirmary daily, except v. hhii she was ill. She used to see that everything \va;; right and enquire if anythinj was required. Durn5 Llrse Wragg's tenure of office she asked her every morning if she wanted and she invariably replied that everything was satisfactory. With regard to the Eru' incident she knew little of her o\vn knowledge. She hid warned the urse several times not to have him on the womens' side. and said ;f it cccurred again she should have to report it. Mr. What made you do that? Did you know he had been on the womans' side?—I had seen him, and I had heard that he had been on the womens' side. Were' you aware he was constantly in the Nurses' room ?—I heard it through an inmate, but did not attach much importance to it. I had no personal knowledge. Proceeding, the witness said that in the first week in October a report was made to her by Mary PhUlips. She made tne report while standing in the corridcr. She said, "You ought tI to have come half an hour earher, and you would have seen Bruce taking lunch with the nurses in their room." This was on October 2nd. She 'also said t. -iit Bruce had been in the nurses' room on the previous evening until af- ter 12 o'clock, and she thought she ought to repcrt. On October 3rd Mary Phillips made an- other report lo The effect that Bruce had again been in the nurses' room the previous evening. She said sha could hear them talking and laughing, and THE LIGHT WAS OUT. Continuing, witness said that the Master usu- ally carved in the Infirmary until Sept. 10th, when the Nurs< said that she should like to carve the meat. Previous to that she had corn. plained about the cutting up of the bread. The Nurse said that she had been before the Board and was going to cut the bread up in future, ? and would like to carve the meat as well. Witness said she would speak to the Master about it. but she felt certain he would have no objection, as it often interfered with his other duties. After that she spoke to the Master who quite agreed and said he was very pleased. At that time Nurse Wragg made no complaint against the Master, except stating that the Master opened the door when she was dressing n. patient in the ward.. Witness said that if the Master opened the door she was sure he would apologise. Witness denied that on the day Nurse Wragg left she called Miss Adams away. The Rev. B. C. Evans called Nurse Adams down, took her to witness' apartments and asked her to look after her until Nurse Wiagg had gone. This witness did. The Rev. B. C. Evans did not give any reason for his request. The Guardians had expressed a wish to the effect that the new nurse should beept away from Nurse Wragg. Mr. James said that no complaint was made against the Matron on this score. Mr. Gilbertson said that Nurse Wragg had complained that Nurse. Adams was taken away from her. and she was not abl& to give her in- formation as to the patients. Further questioned, witness said that last year the Board, in consideration of her long service RAISED HER SALARY. bv £10, and the Master's by £20 last year. Mr. James: Did you ever, when visiting the Infirmary, complain that things were not right? —Yes, repeatedly. Can you tell me whsn?—! can't say exactly. I spoke to her repeatedly about going out I without leave. Proceeding, she said that she told the Nurse that an old woman named Elizabeth Davies, who could not feed herself, had not had her bed touched from Monday until Wednesday dinner-time. The Nurse said that she left the matter to the ward-woman, Kate McCarthy. She also complained that tv.-o ol the inmates, Jane Davies and Mirs?ret FIetcher, had bed- sores, and she got the Master to write, reporting the matter to the doctor. Jane Davies also had an abscess which had not been properly dressed. On October 4th the doctor came, but w.as unwell, but the doctor afterwards came to her. She was sure that Jane Davies had a bedsoto as well as an abscess. She could not say whether the doctor had examined her or not, and did not know that the doctor had said there was no bed-sore. Fletcher's case wa.s also reported to the doctor, and she supposed he saw her. At first the Nurse used to say everything was satisfactory, but after the date en which the Master made a report to the Board the Nurse v?ould not accompany witness round the ward. or reply when spoken to. When com- plained of as to the condition of some cf the ;'ien, the Narse replied tnat she was NOT A NURSE FOR THE MEN, r.niy the females. She could state the first date on which she complained of bed-sores. Witness did not inspect the Infirmary more fre- ouently after she discovered the bed-sores. Wit- ness did not give evidence on these matters on October 12th or October 29th. She had re- verted the matters to the Master and also to certain members of the House Committee. She could rot let the peer men die in there like that. Mr. James: I am suggesting that you did, Mrs. Flutter, and did not complain, In reply to the Inspector she said that she J did no: visit the Infirmary more frequently, but examined patients more closely when she. was there. Cross-examined by Mr. James, she said that there v;ere two bed-sores when Nurse Wragg left, and Nurse Adams found another the second day she was there. Nurse Adams was for a time looking after 40 patients. The bed- sore she discovered was an old bed-sore. The patient. Elizabeth Davies, had complained to Nurse Wragg; so she said. Mr. James said that he believed it was an absolute impossibility to prevent bedsores in some cases, but witness said they never had then), in the Infirmary before Nurse Wragg's time. Margaret Fletcher's back would never have g< t into the condit-on it was if it had been }roperiy attended t.). Witness did not consider this wc.i.n got proper attention even after the matter had been reposed to the do.'tor. P-'ccec.j'n.s:. witness said she had had corn-! p¡:1nt: h-om the nursery that the babies were woke up by the noise in the Nurse's room. Nurse, Lt'wis made the complaint about Bruce h. ing in the Nurse's room prior to October 2nd. V/iin-ST. mentioned the matter to the NnMe. A woman named Elizabeth Smith told v'itness .t:U':l man had been in the nurse's room and she supposed it was Bruce. When witness snoke to the Nurse, she replied, "The </d nursery attendant is as bad as the women." Witness had not told the Nurse that it was tlio nn.t.'ry attendant who had made the com- pluin. She could not say whether Bruce used to \YJr:Z Ln the nerse's room before Nurae Wragg c had not seen him, but could not m- She visited just as frequently. Mr. f.:Tl'S asked v.'hat witness said when. she WARNED THE NURSE I E":ce. and she replied that she told the Nni-e the man was not of gf.'od character. The I\ .?-e said that he was a splendid man,j so:,n s.fl r shf came. Witness said that as a h'- might be good, but his character I w.i3 pr", Th.s conversation occurred before wit- ness hd occasion to warn the Nurse, and she I the Nurse not to have the man on the female side before she was aware that Bruce frequented the nurse's room. The Nurse had .] three 111' i. ur women who could have looked after her fires. She had ne> knowledge that ¡ Bruce hii done the work before Nurse Wragg came. Mr. lime? asked if the matron had any child resoling in the house, and she replied I that she had not. She had one son in Pem- broke, who was ill lodgings in the town. He slept in the Master's quarters an occasional Satur- day-night. Mr. Gilbertson said that it was very hard if a son not do that. The Inspector: Mr. James has put the ques- tion. We can put our own value of it. Mr. James: I put it to you he sleeps there most of the time?—He doesn't. Further questioned, she had no knowledge of a Mrs. Sutton coming to the house on Satur- day nights and staying until a late hour. Wit- ness drew an allowance for meat money, and Mr. Flutter drew his rations. Witness had, not eaten meat for 28 years. Mr. James: The Workhouse meat was not good enough after one year? Mr. Gilt 2rtsca: I think that was very un- called for. Witness said that she did noT: eaL meat by orders of her medical man. THE TELEPHONE INCIDENT. Re-examined by Mr./Gilbertsrm, she said there was no necessity t01 a male assistant in the nurse's room at all. She'remembered the nurse ringing her up on the telephone on October 17th about 10 p.m. She asked witness to let the Master know that Tom Gwyther was dis- turbing the wards. Witness replied that the Master had just gone out, and she would com- municate with him when he came up if the man continued to disturb the ward. She asked the nurse to telephone again if the man con- tinued. She denied that she repHed that the Master and porter were both at the lodge when the man was admitted. The Master had been with her just before the telephone message was received, and he came back t)o his apartments between ten and eleven. Witness told him she had received the nurse's message, but also said that as the nurse had not telephoned again, he had better not go up, as it would disturb the ward. It was quite untrue that any conversation about the matter took place on the following day, and the nurse said that they might all have been killed. The Master had not been into the town on the evening the nurse telephoned to witness's knowledge. Florence Richards, formerly Nurse Skone, assistant nurse at the Infirmary, said that she left the Infirmary on the same day as Nurse Wragg. She had been engaged at the Infirmary seven weeks before Nurse Wragg came. She and Nurse Wragg shared the same sitting-room. She knew Bruce. who used to do work in the nurse's room. He used to do the work when Nurse Parrish was there. The man would be there until from 9 to 9.15 in the evening; le used to brush the grate and look after the fire. The latest time he had even been in th nurse's room was 9.30 p.m. The :u m n-.d never been in the room except doing work. She had never on any occasion seen Bruce wi:a his arm round Nurse Wragg's neck or BEHAVING FAMILIARLY. with her in any way whatever. She had been in the habit of going to bed about eleven o'clock or later. Bruce had never been in the room as late as that. She absolutely denied that he had ever been there after half-past nine. Witness and Nurse Wragg each took charge of a ward. She knew Elizabeth Davies, who was in Nurse Wragg's ward, but witness had assisted lifting her in and out of bed. Wit- ness did not see any bed-sores, though Nurse Wragg powdered her in witness's presence. Mr. Gilbert son: What were you before you came to the Workhouse ?-Kitchen maid in Tenby with Capt. Brooks. You have been married twice ?—Yes. Where did you come from when you came here?—Mr. Roch, the outfitter. She said that she left owing to her father and mother giving notice. You left without notice?—I asked if I could go. Have you had an hospital training of any kind before you came here?—No. Further cross-examined, she said that she had no qualifications or experience as a nurse. She would not know the difference between a bed-sore and another wound on a patient. Mr. Gilbertson: On the strength of your want of knowledge you tell us that when you left the patients were in a good condition?—Yes. Further cross-examined, she said that she did not examine Elizabeth Davies. When Nurse Wragg powdered her this woman com- plained that she was sore. She used boraeic. powder and lead. Witness did not see any sore on the woman's back. She knew that the nurse's room could be seen into from the nursery. She could give no reason why there should be any feeling against Nurse Wragg by Nurse Lewis or Elizabeth O'Connell. She could suggest no reason why these women should come before the inquiry and DELIBERATELY COMMIT PERJURY. She had never had any complaint to make against the Master, whom she had always found to be very courteous and respectful. She used to go out ox Tuesday or Wednesday nights, and she'and Nurse Wragg went out on Sunday morning or afternoon alternately. She knew nothing of what occurred in the nurse's room when she was away. She had never upon returning found Bruce in the room. Daisy Beck used to attend on them, and used to lay the table for them. Slie had never seen Daisy Beck put cups for three, and if she said she had she was not saying what was right. Re-examined by Mr. James, she said that she and the nurse used to buy their meat in the town. She h?d never eaten meat cut from the Workhouse meat. The nur?e would cut some off for Daisy Beck. BRUCE'g VERSION. Robert Bruce was called, and before giving his evidence was cautioned by the Inspector and also by Mr. James. He said that he w.is now working in the Dockyard. 'He was in the Infirmary as a patient from January 22nd to October 5th, leaving the Workhouse on Octo- ber ICth. He was suffering from a sore leg. He act(i(I ;s \8.rcl3mJ.n In the Infirmary, and superintended the cleaning of the wards. He also used to clean the corridors on both sides, and once a week he cleaned both female wards. He commenced cleaning the female ?vard be. fo?c Nurse Wragg came He also use<l to clean the nurses' sitting room twice or three times a week. The latest time he had ever been in the room was from 9 to 9.30, and then he would be there making up the hre. He used to make up the fire three or four times a day. He never went into the room except to do work or if the nuise called him to answer questions. He was sure he had never been in the nurse's room later than 9.50, and denied that he had ben there at 12 or 1 o'clock. He used to go 10 bed between 9.30 and 10 p.m. He denied that. he had ever put his arm round Nurse Wragg's neck. He left the Workhouse on October 10th, and after that he never saw the nurse again until the day the Inquiry opened. He denied that he had ever met Miss Wragg on October llth near Whitehall, and he had never gone up the lane near Mr. Morris's with the nurse. When in the house he had never attended a funeral, and Mr. Morris could not have seen him attending funerals. Able-bodied men usually attended the funerals. The Master used to tske tobacco round on Saturday; and he remembered him taking it round on Satur- day. October 3rd. between 8.30 and 9 p.m. He was just preparing for bed then. He remem- bered one evening hearing the Master ask a m'm named Gwyther what time lie went to bed, and Gwyther replied about nine." The Ma?tt;r &fr:ed another man named Alien the sarm question, and received a similar reply. The Master then said. "But HE GETS UP AGAIN," AHen replied, No, I know he don't." He had n', reason given him when lL was sent down from the Infirmary to the Workhouse, but he was told he could attend the Infirmary every morning to have his leg dressed. Hi3 leg was not cured then. In reply to Mr. Gilbertson, he said that he did' not consider that he was very ill when he wj.s sent down from the Innr.rary. He ap- plied to go out on the following Thursday. He received son'.e clothes then, and went out on October 10th. He wore these clothes f, a week afterwards. He could not say why Mary Phillips should have reported that he had been in the nurses' room late at night. It must be an invent-on on her part. Mr. GilbHt:son: I put it to you it is true?— It is not. It is also untrue you were there the second night in the dark?—Yes. I put it t) you you were in the dark there v.ith the nt:r;je until after twelve o'clock?— i was not. Further examined, he said that he was appointed to do certain duties by Nurse Aird. All the work he used to do in the nurse's room could have been done by a woman atten- dant. He had read the papers, and in them the evidence of William Morris, who was wrong. He was not near Whitehall on the morning of October llth. He was in Pembroke Dock walking about the street at that time. He was wearing dark cord trousers and heavy boots as described by .Morris on that day. It was a very curious coincidence that Morri:; should have described what he was wearing. He could not suggest who it was who went up the lane with Nurse Wragg. Miss Morris must hai--e been equally mistaken. He denied that when the Master made enquiries of Gwyther with respect to him, the latter said that he frequently got up again after retiring. He did not know that Gwyther had given evidence at the- inquiry on October 29th, that he had been seen to return to the Inhrmary as late as 11.45 and 12 o'clock. I Re-examined by Mr. James, he said that he thought Mr. Morris must have mistaken him for another 1n:n. A VOLUNTEER. Dur.ng the morning a messaga was brought in that a Mrs. Dun'y had coim. and wished to give evidence. The Inspector acceeded to her request, and she was sworn. She said that her name was Janet Duffy. She came to say that during the twelve years she had been there as nurse everything she required in the Infirmary she had if she asked for it. She had left four years ago. She was eleven years in the new Infirmary. Mr. and Mrs. Flutter ahvays treated her most kindly and courteously. Nurse Wragg was then recalled, and said that she had heard all the evidence agaimst her. The suggestion that Bruce had been in her room at twelve and one o'clock was a lie. She 'was never warned of Bruce's character, and his conduct was never such that a warning would be necessary. It was altogether a lie that Bruce had his arm round her neck. Nurse Lewis had asked her to go to tea with her once, but she said that she did not approve of her company. It was probable that Nurse Lewis bore her ill-feeling. She again denied meeting Bruce on Sunday, October llth, and again said that she went to Pembroke Dock, and on the way met no one she knew. She had never been up the lane in her life. With regard to the charges of bad nursing she had'. never received any complaint from the Matron except with regard to Elizabeth Davies' bed not being made. The Matron said ''She know what she is." This woman was always com- plaining. and the doctor even walked past, and wodd take no notice of it. The reason Martha Williams' abscess was not attended to was because witness was engaged in a maternity case. With regard to the suggestion that some of the heads of the
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? PATIENTS WERE DIRTY,
PATIENTS WERE DIRTY, she ss.id that their heads were dirty when she came. She applied to the Matron for. small combs, and the latter replied, Oh, yes, nurse. These old people need them." With regard to the carving three or four days in the week, the meat was unfit to eat, and she had never cut anything off for herself. On two occasions the patients had to wait until the afternoon for their dinner, and she complained to the Master of it. She had cut off slices for Daisy Beck. She admitted that Powell stayed late in her room. Other people had late visitors, so I didn't see why I shouldn't," she added. The nurse's book was produced, and it ap- peared that a small cross appeared opposite August 28th. She put that there because that was the day she told her friends she had been insulted. It was two days afterwards. In reply to the Inspector, the nurse said that the book had been kept in the Infirmary up till the inquiry commenced. Mr. James said that he believed his friend saw the mark in the book the day the inquiry opened. Further examined, she said that the man Vaughan was sent to her to have his leg and throat dressed. After she had treated him she sent for the doctor, who said, "Yes, it's a bad kick." On the day .it happened witness sent for C:1pt. Richards, but he did not come. On the Thursday the patient stated his case to the Board of Guardians, and said that he had been kicked by the porter. Vaughan was nearly eighty ye.irs of age. She understood that some boys saw the porter kick the man, but they did not give evidence. On the occa- sion witness telephoned for help, she persisted in her statement that the Matron replied that both the Master and the porter were out. The Rev. B. C. Evans sa'd that when Vaughan came before the Board he said that he should take the matter to the police-court, that was why no report was made on the matter. The man had to be helped in, but shortly afterwards was seen walking down :the street. He was evidently shamming when he came before the Board. MISS WRAGG AGAIN CROSS-EXAMINED. i Mr. Gilbertson proceeded to again cross cx- a'nine Nurse Wragg, and she said that she believed Nurse Lewis bore her ill-feeling. Nurse Lewis asked witness to have tea. with her, and witness refused blankly. Why did you refuse?—I didn't approve of her society. Why not?—I had heard things about her. Too high class, I suppose. Did Elizabeth O'Connell ever ask you to have tea with her?- No. Can you understand why she should have any ill-feeling?—I can't, unless she was biassed the s.ime way. Further cross-examined, she said that the porter must have a spite against her too if, on Sunday, October 10th. he had entered her in his book as leaving the house at 10.25. Mr. Gilbertson: A most extraordinary thing, isn't it? Mr. James: A very nice way of putting it in seeing it is not evidence. Witness: You know what his books and dates are the same as I do. They are not to be re- lied on. Mr. Gilbertson: It is a coincidence is it?— Yes. And Morris says he saw Bruce walking up the lane wearing dark trousers?—He's a liar. You are very free with that word liar, aren't you. It is a word that comes home to roost?— Well, he knows he's a liar. Witness was then questioned as to Martha Williams' leg, and said that she could have told the other nurse to attend to it, but did not as she thought it was all-right. You hGTtrd the doctor siy it v.'as stinldn? when li3 got there ?—Yes, everybody 1:52 heard it too. WHY SHE PUT THE CROPS. With regard to this wonderful cros:. in the nurse's report b:jok. First of all you say you pui- it down the day of the assault, and then you say .t was two days afterwards?—I put it down when I told my friends two days after it happened. She Ldded that she nut the cross to remind her when she told her people. And when did you tnink it necessary to put; a cross in this book?—The day I told my people. When you were writing out a r8po: ?-Xo, after I got .it ii !it. I wrota the report -9 before I went. I put it to you it is written in different ink to the report ?—It was written the same day with the same ink. Mr. Gilberson s.ud that he took it the In- spector would have to say if the CrGó-S was not written in different ink.— If I had known of this." retorted the witness, I would have written it in full." I put it to you before you were infatuated with Bruce?—NeveR. And that you allowed him familiarities, and continred the infatuation after you left?—I allowed him nl'l",fjimiliarity, Why did you go through the pantomine of locking the doctor in until he said, "Oh let rne go"?—I told you about that the other day. Is it true you put your back to the door and refused to let the doctor through?—I didn't say I put my back to the door. I had my hand on the handle, and he told me he would let Bruce come back. Why?—Because he was the only one we had to work. We had no one else. We have had evidence that the work could be done just as well by a woman?—If we had a woman. You had a woman?- W e had no woniar). There was no woman provided for us. When the man was discharged you took the trouble to make A RATHER EXTRAORDINARY ENTRY in your report book, didn't you. Is this your writing?—Yes. The entry is tills: "Monday, 5/10/03. Davics' foot well. Brucj discharged to House i'cr no reason." ({Jnderlined). Why did you state that thsrs was no reason?—Because I was informed of any reason. I presume ths duc'tor has the right to dis- charga anybodyi-ot without asking me. Do you think he should ask you leave?— lie should tell inj. Why should you underline this without you had some speci.il interest in Bruce. \Vhy take the trouble to underl-ne without any reason" ? —I had no spe?l interest except tliat ne was a good working man. I I put it to you. you underlined it because there was a special reason?—No. I did not. It looks like .t, doesn't it. I suggest to you that if another woman made that entry with respect to another man, you would say she had a. special interest in him ?—No. Mr. Gilbertson then cross-examined witness again with regard to the telephone incident, and she said she did not telephone again on the night of the disturbance in the Inhr- mary because she felt annoyed and indepen- dent. The Inspector then put several questions to witness, and she said that the women with whom the Master used to make filthy jokes were Mary PhillipH, Lizzie Dunn, and Kate 0'Br..en. The Inspector said that Mr. Gilbertson and Mr. James would address him, and then the investigation into the charges against the Master would be closed. After that he should go into the general administration of the House. If any guardian had any question he would like to put to any omcer with regard to the administration of the House, he would have an opportunity of doing so, and he also should put questions on certain matters which had come up in the course of the inquiry, many of which bore very closely upon the administration of the House. Nurse Wragg said that on the previous day she understood that a wcman named Martha Williams had baen looking for her, with re- gard to giving evidence against the Master. The Inspector: What is it about?—The Master assaulted her. The Inspector said that any inmate wishing to come before the inquiry might do so now. MR. GILBERTSON'S ADDRESS. After the luncheon interval Mr. Gilbertson addressed the Inspector, and said that first of all he must direct his attention to the—to put it mildly—irregular mancer in whicli the nurse obtained her appointment there. She had a form to fill up, and she had filled it up un- truly. Then matters, which he need not parti. cularise, culminated in the House Committee meeting, held on October 12th. There the Master made certain reports, as was his duty, in respect of the conduct of the nurse. The Master was responsible for the conduct of the Union Workhouse, an important position which he had held for 33 years, and it was his duty after certain facts had come to his knowledge to report them in the proper quarters. Inci- dentally he might ask Is it likely, is it creditable, he would have reported the nurse on the serious charges oS being out without leave, maltreatment of patients, and miscon- duct in having men in her rooms at improper hours,—is it likely he would have made these charges if he had a guilty mind, and knew she could at once bring against him accusations of attempted familiarity with her?" He argued that was not creditable. Let them take the evidence against the 'Master. They simply had the unsupported statement of the nurse, and they must remember that her statement had not always been the same. She had shown a wonderful adaptability, adapting her evidence as the case grew, and increasing it as time went on. That was remarked upon 'by the Guardians themselves on October 29th. First her story was that the Master laid his hands on her breast. Then she said he pulled her dr&ss up. There was an important difference. Then she said that she had told her uncle and aunt, and she said nothing about her cousin until the inquiry, when it was the cousin who came and said she had reported it to her. Then there was another enlargement. She said first that she threatened to tell the Master's wife, and new she came and said she threatened to tell the. Master's wife and the Board. Dealing with the corroborative evi- dence, he said that it was curious that the nurse had apparently said nothing of the al- leged assault to Nurse Skone. With .regard to the evidence of the man Upson and his daughter-in-law he had very little to say. Either the nurse did not tell him at all, or— as was more likely—invented the story she told. If she did so- it was his duty,' as- he was in loco parentis to remove her, yet he deliberately told them he allowed her to stay in a place in which she was in danger of being insulted, knowing she could very well take care of herself. He did not think that was conduct that Upson could very well BE PROUD OE. Coming to the questions of the allegations against the nurse, he said that the witnesses were cross-examined by Mr. James at consider- able length, and with great persistency, but their evidence was not shaken. First of all .there was Mary Phillips, and here again Nurse Wragg proved her wonderful adaptability by suggesting that the woman was of unsound mind—a suggestion which was wicked, mali- cious, and vindictive. They had heard, her give her evidence, and he had no hesita- tion in /sayjpg that a better witness never ap- peared in a court of justice. She was unshaken in cross-examination. TJhe same might be said of Elizabeth O'Connell and Nurse Lewis. Nurse Skona could not suggest any cause of ill- feeling between her and Nurse Wragg, but Nurse Wragg at once suggested that it was because she declined an invitation to tea. Dealing with the allegations as to the nurse and the man Bruce, he said that the nurse had denied that she was infatuated with the mj.n. She ad- mitted that she had applied for her return to the Infirmary. Th"y had heard how insistent she was. They must also bear in mind the entry in the nurse's book, in which she said Bruce had been discharged from the Infirmary without any cause entirely. Was that an ordi- nary entry a nurse would make if she had no special interest in the patient? When he asked her whether she kept up the intimacy with Bruce after his discharge on October 10th she blankly defied it. That was a serious state of things. It was a case of flat perjury by one or the other. They had the evidence of an independent witness, William Morris, and also his daughter, people who could not have the slightest interest in these proceedings, &nd it was curious that Mr. Morris should have exactly described the clothes the man was wearing. He asked them if this did not shake the credibility of the story of the nurse—the ACCUSATION OF A VINDICTIVE WOMAN. He put it to her if the whole charge against the Master had not been made in revenge for his having reported her on October 5th, and she replied that it was true. Proceeding, Mr. Gilbertson referred to the evidence of the other uurses, as to the courtesy with which they had always been treated by the Master, including the good old volunteer, Mrs. Duffy, wlio he was greatly surprised to :;ea come there that morning. In conclusion, he referred to the increase of salary which the Guardians a year ago gave both the Master and fhe Matron in consideration of their long and faithful ser- vice, and he pointed out that the person most interested—the Master's wife—did not place the slightest credence upon the slanderous accusa- tion made against Mr. Flutter. Jf she had be- lieved what Nurse Wragg wickedly said. it would have meant a parting uf husband and wife and husband and family. MR. JAMES' SPEECH. Mr. James, in his address, said that there were one or two matters which he should like to emphasize. With regard to the charge made against the Master, lie pointed out that it was always unfortunate when a sub-ntDcial made a charge against an omcial of higher standing in a public institution. It was a charge which was late. in being made, but he thought they would agree with him that the reasons for the delay, were reasons which were really favourable -for the Master. From her position in the institution, as her uncle pointed out, her career as a poor law professional nurse, would have been endangered had she. on the .spur of th? moment reported it, without much hope of getting sympathy from her em- ployers. Whether it were true or not it would have seriously endangered her whole future. She took the advice of her uncle, and consider- ing the promise which had been made by the Master, he thought she took the right course. She did not complain until she knew attacks had been made upon her character, and he thought that it was only consistent with womanliness that she should seek to conceal these things from the public until it was made an actual necessity to reveal them in self- defence. Dealing with the allegations against Miss Wragg, he pointed out that the gravest was that of misconduct with tlie man Bruce. It was a grave thing, not only as regarded the Nurse and Bruce, but also for the ad- ministration of the Poor Law in that institu- tiun. He pointed out that in some of the de- tails the witnesses did not agree, and it was these small details wh.ch wen really the crux rf the matter. Mr. James also dealt with the evidence of William Morris and his daughter, and hew, in cross-examination, the former said that lie did not read the papers, and had not heard of the Pembroke scandal, and the daugh. ter said that he took a weekly paper regularly, and knew all about the scandal at the \Ycrk- house. Then take the evidence of the doctor. (Jn the nrst occasion he told them the nurse was inefficient only in maternity cases, and the next day he said that she was generally inemcient, more especially in maternity cases. With regard to the other evidence, people in the position of inmates of that institution were very OFTEN AFRAID TO TELL what Lhey knew to be the truth for i'sar of the consequences. In conclusion Mr. Jame:; pointed out that the nurse had her character to clear, and he hoped the Inspector would consider the weight of evidence wis upon her side, and it would be possible for her to get a. reference so that she could continue her career. The Inspector tliat it would be his duty to report the evidence to the Local Government Board, where it would be gone into by experts. They would decide. It was his duty merely to report. Tills concluded this portion of the Inquiry, and Mr. James, Mr. Gilbertson, and Mr. Upson each thanked the Inspector for the courtesy and patience he had exercised during the In- quiry, Mr. Upson also remarking that he con- sidered Mr. Gilbertson had been very fair. The Inspector replied, and said that these inquiries were the most unpleasant duties he had to perform THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION. The general administration of the House was then inquired into, and the Inspector said that he was prepared to hear any of the guar- dians or question any oiRcer. Mr. T. John then made an explanation with regard to the man Vaughan, and said that per- sonally he could say little about it. The porter was charged with assaulting the man The complaint was heard by the House Com- mittee. At this point the Nurse and Master were asked to retire. The Rev. B. C. Evans said that the reason why no report was made was soon explained. Vaughan came before the committee, brought there by the Nurse. He gave evidence as to the assault, and then stated that he intended to take it to a. police-court. Witness then put it to the committee whether it would be wise to take any further evidence if the matter was going to the police court. It was decided to hear the porter, but make no report. After hearing the porter they felt they ought to go up and see the man. They asked him to re- move the wrapper from his neck, and there was really nothing amiss with the man's neck. There was, however, a mark on his leg. They then found that the man, who was too weak and innrm to come down to the room without asistance. was the same day able to walk about Pembroke for some hours. In reply to the Inspector, he said that he could not recollect who first reported the matter to the committee. He believed that the man requested to see the committee. The committee were satisfied that the porter had done his duty when the scramble with Vaughan occurred. Mr. Thomas then jumped up to ask a ques- tion, and the Inspector remarked sharply, Really, Mr. Thomas, you must not interrupt. If you keep BOBBING UP AND DOWN, and asking questions on all sort's of things, I don't know how I am to conduct the enquiry. I have told you repeatedly if you have anything to ask to put it in a proper manner. Mr. Thomas: I bow to your ruling. At this point, Mr. Ivemey, who said that he was a ratepayer, said he would like to ask a question. The Inspector directed him to put it on paper, and when it was handed up said that he was not there to criticise the com- mittee that day, but only to take evidence. The porter, Joseph Gwyther, was then called, and denied assaulting Vaughan. On Sunday, September 15th, Vaughan was looking after the boys' dJ.y-room, and his wife was in the habit of going into the boys' yard. He told her several times that she must not go there. On that day, as he came back from church, he saw Mrs. Vaughan in the boys' yard, and told her to come away. As she was passing out of the yard to the women's quarters, Vaughan pushed the door open, and said she had per- mission from his superior for his wife to come into the boy's yard whenever she liked. Wit- ness went to the Master and asked him about the matter,a nd the latter denied *tlnt he had given the woman permission. He went back and told Vaughan what the Master had said. Vaughan said that it was a lie, and Up with his fist" and struck him in the cheek.' Witness grabbed one arm, and he scratched witness's face with the other. Witness held him at .irm's length, and sent a boy for the Master. He kicked witness over the shins. When the Master came the man continued to struggle, and witness put him in the ward. Later on a complaint was handed to the com- mittee. AN IRISH BULL. Mr. John: How did he come to the commit- tee?—He almost walked as If he had no legs at all. Continuing, the witness said that the man was nearly carried in by the nurse. After the committee meeting the man wsnt out on leave, and was away for some time. Witness sa.w him walking that day. He walked Imne ii anybody was looking, and if not he walked all- right. In answer to the Inspector, lie said that lie h-u.1 been appointed nearly i year, and was a carpenter by trade He hid been an inmate of the house prior to appointment, being com- pelled to come in through defective eyesight. In reply to the Inspector, the witness then detailed his duties during the day. Mr. Thomas again chipped in with some questions, and the Inspector remarked that he was a long suffering man, but he was at the end of his tether. He could adjourn the in- quiry to another place where he could select who should be present, or he could complete the enquiry now. He did not want to do any- thing harsh, but he must conduct.the inquiry in the way he thought best, and Mr. Thomas was interfering with the procedure altogether. Further questioned, the porter said that there was no ill-feeling between, him and Vaughan. Vaughan had several times gone out and returned to the Workhouse drunk. One night Vaughan got so drunk that a number of boys brought him into the Workhouse. He re- ported Vaughan to the Master several times. Mr. Thomas had another question read. Don't answer," said the Inspector, and the witness retired. John Vaugh'j.n, an inmate, said th'it on Sun- day, September 13th, his wife went into the boy. yard. The porter, after pushing his wife away, ran up stag's. and witness followed. On the stairs the porter said. Whit do you wnt here?" Witness said, "I want to speak to your superior ofHeer." The porter said Go down. or I'll shove you down." The and Matron then up, s.nd w'tneHs Who's master here." The Master replied "I am." Witness said that the porter h.i.d caned some boys, and then went downstairs. The porter followed him. and rem-u-ked Now what hj.ve you to F.ay to me, and with that he gripped witness BY THE THROAT, and threatened to choke him. struck him in the face, and the porter kicked him on the shins, after whk-h he went into the Infhmqiy. Witness intended to take proceed. ings, but the Master advised to let the matter drop, and lie did so In reply to the Chairman, he said that lie was very I.ime the day he c&me before the committee, and he did not go iato the town that day. On September 15th the sergeant of police came to the House. He did not send for the police, but believe the :iur. c did. In reply to the Inspector, he that he had ever come into the Workhouse intoxicated. I Once lie fell on Bush Hill and stunned him- self. He did not know who led him into the House then. Elizabeth Toomey was called, and said that she saw Vaughan and the porter fighting. The porter had Vaughan by the throat, and when she spoke to him he let go. She saw no blows struck by either. In reply to the porter, she said that Nurse Wragg wanted her to give evidence against the porter, but she did not see him kick Vaughan. After tea the Master and Matron wera both examined by the. Inspector at some length regarding the general administration of the house, after which the Inquiry closed.
Association.
Association. PEMBROKE DOCK v. LLANREATH. At the Bush Stiecc G;'cund on Saturday before a far crowd. Teams: P.D.A.C.—Jones, goal; Dei'Ty and Davies, backs; Jenkin.j, Evans, and Maddocks, halves; Thomas. Rushton Parrott, Sil:;ox, and Fielder, fo'L'v.'ards. LIanreatb.—Undej"vcu.d, goal; J. Owens, and Jarvis, backs; Beam, and Jones, halves; Yate.3, W. Owens, S. Davies, Russan and Shears, forwards. Ti.3 SJ.1113 was of rather a scrambling nature. In niiJiieid the teains were fairly even but iha Llanreath forwards were lamentably weak in front of goal. In the early part of the game \V. Owen hit the crossbar with one splendid drive, but after that many good opportunities w&ro wasted by erratic shooting. The Dock;. forwards, on tne other hand, shot well, and though Underwood made some grand saves, throwing himself at full length several times, he was beaten on no less than five occasions The first goal came after about 20 mintue?' play, and was scored by S.Icox, and just before the .nterval Parrott broke through and scored No. 2. The third goal came from the same player. Underwood throwing himself down to stop a fast grounder, but only succeeding in diverting it in the net. About ten minutes later Silcox headed another, and the fifth goal came from the same player, who received a centre from Thomas and scored from close quarter?. MILFORD v. SCOTS ABROAD. The Scots Abroad made a good fight at Mil- ford, although the South Wales Leaguers had a strong team out. During the first half Mil- ford pressed strongly, but Irvine in goal was in fine form, and made many clever saves. Milford even'tually scored after an exciting scramble in front of goal, and then the Scots rallied, and a warm attack on the Milford goal culminated in Williams equalising. The Scots got through again, and Merchant found the net, but the point was disallowed for offside. After the interval the game was very severely contested, but Milford scored again, the ball cannoning off Whitnell into the net. Just before the close. Miller, who had gone into the forward line broke through, and all but equalised, a grand, shot missing the goal-post by inche: The Scots were without Fowler and Thoman, their usual right wing, and their team was as follows:—Irvine, goal; Whitnell and Miller, backs; Davidson, Smtl and Livingstone, halves; Williams, Merchant, Bennett, Gordon, and Walton forwards. On Saturday last the Pembroke Dock Juniors journeyed to Milford to meet Milford Priory Reserves. The visitors were playing several substitutes but tlLs did not seem to weaken them much. The homesters played a nice combined game, and from start to finish it was very fast. The "undefeated" held their record and won after an exciting game by four goals to one. On Saturday last the Pembroke Dock Harle. quins met Pembroke Rugby Club in a West of Hanelly eLague match on the Welsh Regiment ground. The field was heavy, and thus pre- vented the game.ben6 very fast. The "Quins" had a strong team in the field. It will be re- membered that Pembroke defeated the "Quins" the Saturday previous by 17 points to nil. On Saturday the "Quin" showed their superiority in all branches of the game. The visitors were not on very good form and after an exciting game the "Quins" won by 6 points to nil. Tenby were on Saturday at home to Ney- land, whom they defeated by 5 points to nil, thus avenging their defeat at Neyland earlier in the season. The draw for the semi-finals "Owen Philipps" Cup has resulted as follows:—P.D.A.C. v. Winner of (Llanreath v. R. D. Apprentices); referee, Staff-sergt. Williams. A.O.C.; Scots Abroad v. Milford United; referee, Mr. J. For- ward. To be played on or before February.— S. W. Tucker, hon. sec.
Rngby.
Rngby. LLANGWM v. MILFORD. Played at LIangwm on Saturday, when LIan- gwm defated Milford by 6 points to three. The game was contested in a sportsmanlike way, LIangwm gcling the best of the game Tight through.
COULDN'T SEE.I
COULDN'T SEE. I Mercy, aged three, was greatly interested in Santa Claus. One day, on being given a picture of him, she said slowly: "I can't see any claws." TOUGH. Perley: Hullo, Jinx! Going to take Christmas quietly? Jinx: No. Going to devote it to athletics. Perley: Good. What kind ?Golf or football ? Jinx: Neither. I am going to carve a turkey I raised myself, for ten people. There's exer- cise for you! NICELY PUT. Why is Santa Claus always with reindeer in the pictures, uncle? Uncle (with sudden inspiration): You see-er at Christmas time Santa Claus must-er-have his reign, dear! PRECOCIOUS. Boy: Mamma, does Santa Claus get his sleigh on Christmas Eve and drive to all the houses of the little boys and girls ? Mother: Yes. Boy thoughtfully): I don't believe he does it that way. Mother: How do you think he does it? Boy: I think he plans ahead and does some of the work beforehand. Mother: What makes you think so? Boy: Well, I notice that he's got all my pre- sents put away in one of the cupboards al- ready. GLAD. Little Elsie: Santa Claus doesn't go round in a motor-car, does he mamma? Mamma: Why, certainly not. He still drives his reindeer, darling. Little Elsie: Oh, I'm so glad' Tommy RaRkin told me he used a motor car, and I've been in a terrible state ever since, 'cause I know the repair shops are'nt open at night."
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MR. BOTTOMLEY FINED.
MR. BOTTOMLEY FINED. .E300 FO CONTEMPT O? COURT. There was a large crowd ra i.!K Divisionat Court when Mr. Justice Big'ham <utd Mr. Justice Walton sat to hear a rule which had been ob- tained by the Attorney General against Mr.. Horatio Bottomley, M.P., for alleged contempt of court. The matter complained of was contained in an article which appeared in Mr. Bottomley's news- paper, "John Bull," on December 12th. Addressing the court Mr. Bottomley said that: when he appeared at the Londcn Guildhall nearly all the newspapers had comments on the case. Some of the comments, he contended were calculated to prejudice a jury against him, and he could not find among the dicta of the judges in contempt of court cases that a man who commented on a, charge against himself, and said that he was innocent, had committed any serious contempt. The paper "John Bull" went to press on Monday nights, and he had been too busy on the night in question in consultation with counsel appearing for the other defendants to see it before it went to press. He had ordered a. descriptive report of the case, and he did not disguise from the Court his desire was that, as far as it properly could, that descriptive ac- cour. should act as an antidote to the false statements in the newspapers. But there were phrases in it which he would not have approved. He concluded by stating that there were phrases tn the article which might be construed as "Scandalising the Courts" (which was the phrase in authorities), and to th-tt extent be expressed hia regret. Mr. Justice Bighorn. in giving judgment, said there was no doubt that most improper com- ments were made in "John Bull" upor the pending proceedings. Mr. Bottomley hau ex- pressed his regret far these comments so far as they exceed fair and reasonable observations upon his position, hut. the judge went on, "at the same time, I think it is our duty to mark our disapprobation of what has been done. Th& writ of attachment must go, but we shall order- it to lie in the omce for a, month, which will enable Mr. Bottomley to comply with th& further order which wa make, which is that he pay a nne of ;E300 and costs of these proceed- ings.
REFORM IN INDIA.
REFORM IN INDIA. GLOOMY VIEW UNWARRANTED. In the House of Lords, Lord Morley made his statement en the Government of India's proposal of reform. He first dealt with th& unrest that has recently broken out in such serious forms. He deplored the necessity of such a drastic measure as the Anti-Anarchist Act, but added, "\V-3 mr.st protect the peace- ful ond harmless people, bcth Indian and European, from the bi dstamed havoc of anarchic conspu'apy." On the other ha.nd, he denied that to per- sist in reforms which had been worked at for two years constituted a concession to violence; it was "simply standing to our guns," and the men best pleased by the dropping of the reform.3 \vould be the extrem- ists and irreconcilables themselves. Lord Morley then pt\ep on to an outline of the Bill by which it is proposed, next Session, to carry out reforms in India. The Bill would, he said, authorise an increase in the membership of the Viceroy's and Pro- vincial Councils, the partial application of the elective principle in regard to the mem- bers, and a certain increase in the powers of the Legislative Councils. The absence of an Indian member from the Viceroy's Executive Council could no longer be defended, and in the event of a vacancy he was prepared to recommend the King to make such an appointment. Furthermore, power would be sought to appoint at least one Indian mem- ber to the Executive Council in Bombay and Madras. Urging, !a conclusion, that a gloomy view was Lord Morley declared that they needed moral strength ia guiding and controlling the people of Indin. The Marquis of Lansdowne, who paid & warm tribute to the eloquence and sincerity of the speech, considered that it was not the time to offer criticisms. The Opposition, he said, would support Lord Morley in a judi- cious extension of reform, and would encou- rage the Government of India., who had met a critical situation with courage and self- restraint.
SHUNTER'S WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
SHUNTER'S WONDERFUL ESCAPE. A crowd of passengers standing on Burton-on- Trent railway station platform received a great shock. An assistant shunter vras at work be- tween the metals when a goods train bore down upon the man. Before the startled, spectators could warn him he disappeared beneath the engine, and ten horse-boxes passed over him. When the train was brought to a standstill the shunter rose calmly to his feet, stepped over the metais, walked up to the engine. and remon- strated with the driver for knocking him down Beyond n few cuts on the t'Aca and hands, caused by falling on the !) -1e four-foot way, the man was JEt3 afterwards attributed miraculous 1() the ;acc that he lay perfectly still while the train was. going over },,x.
ONE AND ALL APPEAL.
ONE AND ALL APPEAL. The matter of the One and AH Sickness s.nd Accident Insurance Association v. Trathen and others was down for hearing in the Court of Appeal, but Mr. Bebee, for the appellants, said he was instructed to with- draw the appeal. Negotiatiops were on foot for the transfer of the whole business of the association to a first-class insurance com- pany, in which case the appointment of a re- ceiver would probably become unnecessary. Mr. Gore Brown, K.C.. fcr the respon- dents, asked that the appeal should be dis- missed with costs. If any arrangement was made the sanction of the Court would have to be obtained, because the receiver would t remain in possession. The appeal was dismissed, with costs.
FATAL WRESTLING.
FATAL WRESTLING. A distressing double fatality took place off Fleetwocd on Tuesday. The steam trawler Citv of Edinburgh, belonging to a FIeetwood and Hull nshing firm. on 'pa\ig Fleetwood had on bonrd. besides her crew. a 16-year-old lad named Samuel Conkson, wno w&s,taking a trip. Shortly-after leaving port. Ccokson remarked to John Campbell, the crew, "You can't put me overboard. Jack." The tv.'o bcsau '.vrcs'tlina; in a friendly way, and eventually fell overboa'd. Arthur Lamb, fireman, dived in after the: and a boat was launched, but both Cookson J.ncl Campbell were drowned.
ENTOMBED FOR SIX HOURS. /
ENTOMBED FOR SIX HOURS. A heavy fall of roof occu.' red at Lord EI!es- mere's Bridge'.vatcr at Worsley. Manchester, burying two miners, named Dickens and Baguley, of W 1.;kden. The men could not be ext'icated from under- neath the debris until they had been buried nearly six Both wero alive, but Dickens was seriously injured.
POST OFFICE HOD!! ED.
POST OFFICE HOD!! ED. A bag containing £121 in money und cheques, which lay on the counter at Si'ui;- ford Hill Post Cmce, ready for removal to the bank. has b-ecn stolen. The post. office, a s!T:tiI suh-omf", WkC;1 ;? also a general grocery stO¡" i"]} f, Cll"tr. mers at tuc time, awl it i.'i :](' ?:. r was abstracted by maana of a st ck pas&ed over the top of the rail round the uost ofSce counter.
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CIGARETTE FOR HALF-A-GUINEA.
CIGARETTE FOR HALF-A-GUINEA. A special collection was made at Covent Garden Market on behalf of Charing-cross Hos- pital. There was an amusing sequel. During the progress of an ordinary sale a trilby hat was removed from the head of a dealer and handed to the auctioneer. Tbe hat, coupled with a cigar, was put up to auction and, to the delight of the crowd, was "bought in by the owner for 12a. 6d. A number of similar sales followed, more hata nnding their way to the auctioneer's rostrum, and being disposed of at prices ranging from 10s. to 15s. A pound of sausages, originally purchased £0-1." M., were sold, re-sold, and sold again until the hospital funds had benented to the extent of .S5. Twelve common pears brought in 5s. a- piece, and a cigarette.of the nve-a-penny species was sold for half-a-guinea.