The Express.
London, England, 1867-11-19 00:00:00

A FARMER'S WIFE FLOGGING HER SERVANT.

There was an unusual number of spectators at
the Hastings Town Hall, at the County Petty Session, on
Saturdaj, drawn together to hear a charge of aggravated
assault which was preferred against Mrs. Sarah Skinner,
wife of Mr. Adolphus Skinner, farmer, of French-court.
Mr. Norris appeared for the defendant, said on his advice
she pleaded guilty.
The bench proceeded to hear the evidence, but Mr. Nor-
ris obiected, on the ground that his client had pleaded
guilty. The objection was °resettled.
Mary Edwards, the complainant, is a diminutively-built
girl, who mid she was but 19 but might easily have passed
for 14 or 15. She deposed —I have been servant to Mrs.
Skinner. Last Monday she thrashed me with a strap that
she uses to thrash her own children with. It was a small
black strap, about an inch wide, doubled. She struck me
with it on my arms and back, I should think three times
in the morning, and she did the same again in the after-
noon. She knocked my teeth down my throat; that was
ever se long ago. Some of the bruises ea my arms and
back are from the strap, and some from the broom. She
did net beat me with the broom last Monday. I have other
marks en my body.
By the Chairman—She beat lee because I could not mend
my clothes.
Shadwell—Wly could yen not?
Complaimmt—Beemme I had aot time.
Mr.thske—How long have you lived with Mrs. Skinner?
Complainant—Nearly five years.
The Chairman—ls this the only occasion en which she
has beaten you I
Complainant—No, she has done it several times in thei
last three years. I received wages for the first two years ;
but mime that she has found me in clothes.

Mr. Shadwell—Did you have her service!
Complainant—No ; I ran away but Tuesday morning,
because she said she would beat me in the morning again.
Mr. Norris was about to address the bench, when the
chairing' (Mr. Crake) said he thought it best to intimate
that it was the wish of the bench to make further inquiry,
and to adjourn the case ; and Mr. Norris might perhape
think it necessary to Wynn the beach after hearing what
was brought out in further inquiry, or any fresh charge
which might be made.
Mr. Norris—l don't wish to reserve or adjourn anything.
The Chairman—l have told you our decision.
Mr. Norris—l think it is very unfair. I never seen
a ease so treated. _

The alsian—We don't want to hear whether you con-
sider it unfair or not. That is not the question. We think
it neoemary to make other inquiries, and the case is ad-
journed.
Mr. Norris—Having pleaded guilty, I don't think it is
the thing that we should be dragged up here again.
The Chairman—We are nut to be told that. It is not
respectful to us.
Mr. Norris—l shall certainly protest against it.
Daring the hearing • certificate was produced from
C. dhaenden, Esq., surgeon, who had examined the
girL It read thus :—" I hereby certify that on Tuesday,
November 12, 1867, I examined Mary Edwards, and
found the folowing bruises on her. A. large bruise on
right hip, left elbow and arm, abrased wound on ear ;
swollen and contused nose—all of which were severe and
recant. Old bruises on back and between shouklers, right
arm and elbow, and several minor ones, all over body and
extremities. She is an undersized girl, and of a weak con-
stitution." _ . .

lir. Norris objected to the reacting of the above, and it
was ordered that Mr. Ashenden should be summoned to
attend on Dec. 7, when the hearing will be resumed.—
Surrey Standard.