Absconding with Workhouse Clothes - Cumberland and Westmorland Newspaper Transcriptions

Absconding with Workhouse Clothes

ABSCONDING WITH
WORKHOUSE CLOTHES.
_____

Jane WRIGHT, a little girl of 13, was charged with absconding with clothes
belonging to the Longtown Union. It appeared that the child had been sent to
show an old woman the way to Westlinton, where she was going to see a friend,
, and had got leave to remain all night if they wished to keep her.

On the way they met a man named McPHEARSON, whom defendant had known before,
and she told him that she was going to call to see his wife. She accordingly
left the old woman, and went to see McPHEARSON’s wife at Westlinton.

The old woman returned to the Workhouse that night, and a policeman was
dispatched to look for the child. He found her in McPHEARSON’s kitchen. She told
him that she intended to remain all night and to return to Longtone next day.

The CLERK enquired if the Board of Guardians knew all the facts of the case.

Complainant said they knew well enough.

The CLERK said he scarcely thought they could. It had been proved that the
child had got leave to stay all night.

The BENCH told the defendant she was to go back to the workhouse, and take
care not to go away with out leave, or else she would be sent to gaol.

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Transcribed by: Ann Selchick, 03/11/2006