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THE BOARDING SCHOOL SCANDAL-

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THE BOARDING SCHOOL SCANDAL- EXAMINATION OF THE PRISONER. At the Stratford County Police Court on Saturday mornm: Henry Barwick Skdlings, aged 41, of Clifton House School, Church road, Ley ton, was charged, on remand, before Mr. H. Ford Hartley, Mr. A. Lister, and Mr. J. Spicer, with having unlawfully assaulied Mary Ann Hyams, on or about the 6th of "December, 1881, in the parish of Leyton. He was also further charged with assaulting Sabina Simons, Julia Simons, Amelia Simons, Florence Hyams, Mary Jane Thew, Selina Thew, and Maud Brown, on or about the same date, at Clifton House School, Leyton. The informa- tion upon which the defendant was charged, described him as a printer and bookbinder, but he had been accustomed for some years to preach at Nonconformist chapels, and is a deacon at the Leyton Congregational Church. The ages of the children named in the information range from nine to 17; some of them had been at the school for three years, and the shortest period for which any one had been there was n-ne I months. The school was kept by Mrs. Skithngs, the wife of the defendant, who bad only IS pupils, and her husband assisted in the school work to some extent. Mr. Atkinson represented the prisoner; and the ca5c for the police was in the hands of Detective-inspector Glass. The Chairman, before proceeding with the exmina. tion of the witnesses, said that on the previous day sufficient evidence to justify a remand had been taken only. The charge was then read over to the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty. I, I Inspector Glass said that no doubt the case would be taken up by the Public Prosecutor. The Chairman: Then we will go as far as you think fit to-day. The Chairman ordered all witnesses out of court. Mr. Atkinson abo asked that all witnesses should leave the court, and after giving evidence they should be compelled to remain in court. The Chairman here intimated that the case would be adjourned until that day week, after they bad heard sufficient evidence. At the adjourned hearing ¡ the matter referred to by Mr. Atkinson could be con- sidered. The first witness, Mary Ann Hyams, was then called I snd sworn. In reply to the Chairman, she said—I was twelve years old on the 18th of July last. Mv father lives at Ivy House, St. John's road, Dalston. His name is George Hyam. I have been a boarder at Clifton House School, Leyton, since the 24th of March, 1879. The prisoner came to the school in May, 1879. I had been there six weeks with a previous governess when he came. He has been at the school ever since. The Chairman: Now tell us what was the first thing that happened between you and the prisoner. Witness: I cannot remember the exact date, but! think it was in the schoolroom about six weeks after Le came to the school. The Chairman: Were you alone in the schoolroom at the time? Witness: No; there were others there at the time. The Clerk: Well, tell us what occurred then. Witness: The prisoner took me on his lap and be- haved improperly to me. The Chairman: What was the next thing which occurred? Witness: As far as I can remember I think it was IMt Easter, and I think the young ladies were in the school room then. The Clerk: Having got so far, suppose you tell TIS what happened three weeks before the 22nd of Decem- ber last year. Now what occurred then? Witness: We were doing some sums. I wTas in the school room; it was the lesson hour from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday. Miss Amelia Simons asked Mr. Skillings it he would correct the sums and see if they were right. He said he would do so, and he made the girls go into the music room, where he was sitting, one by one. I went in last, and showed him my slate. He took my hand and lifted me on his knee and behaved improperly. I tried to get away. Miss Simons then called me to supper, as it was supper time. The Chairman: How long do you suppose you were sitting upon his knee? Witness: About ten minutes. Did be speak to you?—He was showing me how to do my sums. The Clerk: Did yon object to what he had beel doing? Witness: No. sir. The Chairman: Have you been examined by a doctor ? Witness: Yes, the week before last. Did you complain to any one upon that cccas'on ?— Yes, to my sister Jane, and my cousin, and ctLer girls. Did you speak to Mrs. Skillings?—No. I went beac- on the 22nd of December. I did not ted my futhei. but I told my sister on the Saturday belo-e New Year s Day. Inspector Glass here said that the witr.e s had no mother, which accounted for her telling her ehier sister. The Chairman: Have you any other female rela- tions at home besides your elder sister? Witness: No. The Chairman; Did anything of the kind happen after the 6th of December and before you went awav on the 22nd? Witness said that nothing occurred. Mr. Atkinson then proceeded to cross-examine th witness, which be did at great length. Mr. Atkinson: You sa.,d this happened about three weeks before the 22nd December? "Witness: Yes; it was on Friday, the 9th. I know it was Friday because it was bath night. What did you say to Mr. Skillings when you went in the music room?—I asked him to see whether ill" sums were done right. Did you not often sit on his knee before?—Yes. Did you not seek him out and ask him to let you sit there ?—No. Did yon not call him Papa" sometimes?—No. Have you not been in the habit of sitting on bis knee with other girls?—No; not that I remember. Only once. You told us that you tried get away?—I did try. Did vou scream ?—No. Why did you not scream ?-Becanse I should have been punished if I had made a noise. Was there anybody in the next room on the occa- sion in December?—No, but there was in the school- room. How far off was the schoolrcom from the music- room ?—Only a few steps. There were several young lp.dies in the schoolroom. Did Miss Simons come to the door?—Yes; she knocked ard asked Mr. Skillings if he had finished witii me to let me come to supper. Why did you not ask Miss Simons to come an ee what he was doin«?—I did not like to ask her. Did you complain to any one then?—When I got up stairs 1 told the young ladies. Did you tell Mrs. Skilhns ?_ o. Have you often been cautioned to make complaints to Mrs. Shillings when there was anything to complain about?—Yes. It any of you had anything to complain about, w ere you nut to go to Mrs. bkillings?—Yes. When did you first mention this to Mrs. Skillings''— I did not mention it at ail. When he was doing what you say, had he a shite r ncil in his hand?—No; I was holding the slate encil. D:d be touch-your hand at all?-No; not that I remember. Did he alter any figures?—Yes. Yv'ith whicn hand ?—With the right hand. How long were you upon his knee'—About ten mniutes. Did you object to what he was doing?—Yes, I did. In w at way?—I aid not tell him anything. W no suggested that you should be examined by a doctor?—I do not know. I went to my aunt's and the doctor was there waiting. When was that? -The same week that I told my sister. Do you recollect telling your sister, Sophia, that the last term was the happiest you had ever spent at the school?—Yes, it was owing to the entertainments v hich Mrs. Shillings bad taken us to. I did not say anything about Mr. Skillings. Have you been frequently cautioncd about saying things on the impulse of the moment by Mrs. Shillings? —Yes. Did you accuse some one in the school of stealing some jewellery of yours which was afterwards found in your possession ?—I lost a pair of earrings, and I looked in my box to see if I could see them than I thought some of the young ladies bad taken them. r-. Did you accuse some one of stealing them?—I did. And they were afterwards found in your possession? —Yes. Mrs. Shillings cautioned me. Do you remember Mr. Shillings being ill and having to lie upon the sofa?—Yes; I remember. He then gave lessons to the children?—Yes. How often were you alone with Mr. Shillings before the times mentioned?—Twice before the midummor holidays. After the occurrence of December, did it not strike you to go and tell Mrs. Skining^?—I was ashamed to fell Mrs. Skillings. Have you ever gone to Mrs. Skillings and asked her to let you go to Mr. Skilling.-s?-N ever. Inspector Glass said he aid not propose going any f-rrfber that day, and the prisoner was formally remanded for a week. Mr. Atkinson asked if the bench would consider the question of bail. The Chairman: No; certainly not. I The prisoner was then removed in custody.

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