A SAD CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2295, 9 January 1909, Page 5

A SAD CASE.

DESERTED WIFE AND HER

CHILD

[Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 8

A baby was born on the steamer Mararoa yesterday morning, while the vessel was travelling from Wellington to Lyttelton, under circumstances that seem to' call for inquiry. The mother is a young married wonuyn who was deserted by her husband m Nelson some months ago. She was in receipt of charitable aid in Nelson, it is stated, but under a system that has previously produced recriminations amongst Charitable Aid Boards she was scut to Wellington. The birth of a child was imminent, but relief was not forthcoming m Wellington. After some delay somebody paid tho woman’s steamer fare to Lyttelton, and she left on Wednesday night, apparently without ana definite arrangements being made for her reception. The baby, was born during the night. Tho police were informed of the birth on the arrival of the steamer at Lyttelton yesterday, morning. Tho woman seems to have been told that she could go to the Samaritan Home, but the authorities of that institution, who were communicated avith. by telephone, replied that they could not. take the woman and child, the Home being intended for persons of quite anothei class, and not for those avlio aieie merely destitute. The secretary ol tho Charitable Aid Board was also communicatecl avith, but meanav lnle tho Salvation Army stepped in, and the mother and child. wero provided with a temporary abiding juace ba that organisation, m its Maternity Home.