Concealment of Birth at Blenheim.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 280, 23 October 1884, Page 2

Concealment of Birth at Blenheim.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Blenheim, Oct. 21. , Judge Richmond, m charging the Grand Jury upon the charge of infanticide against Fanny Bonnington, which is the only indictment on the calendar, referred to the reluctance of juries to convict for child murder, even on the most convincing evidence. The law on the subject was not m accoi dance with public sentiment, and ought to be amended, though it was easier to complain of the existing law than to suggest a satisfactory improvement. One would like that the partner of a woman's guilt should , share her shame and punishment, but such a course was not practicable. The Grand Jury found a true bill of concealment of birth only. The trial of the prisoner proceeded. She wan a domestic servant to Mr Dodson, M.H.R., and enterted his employment m February, and was delivered of an infaut on the night of the 3rd of July, the body being fouud m a closet the next . morniug. At the conclusion of the trial the accused was acquitted, on the ground of insanity, it being showed that prisoner's behaviour was peculiar, and the insanity is m the family. She was ordered to be detained during the Colonial Secretary's pleasure.