The Wagga Wagga Advertiser, Tue 15 Mar 1887 1
QUARTER SESSIONS.
The following cases are set down for hearing at the above court, which commences its sittings today:–
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Henry Lane, unnatural offence.
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The Wagga Wagga Advertiser, Thu 17 Mar 1887 2
QUARTER SESSIONS.
TUESDAY, MARCH 15.
(Before His Honor Judge Forbes.))
His Honor took his seat at 10 o’clock.
The members of the legal profession present were:—Barristers:– Messrs R Pitcairn (Crown Prosecutor) and C Butterworth. Solicitors:– Messrs HB Fitzhardinge, JR Garland, EB Thompson, WJ Anderson, and G Coleman.
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UNNATURAL OFFENCE.
Henry Lane, aged 14, was charged with having attempted to commit this offence at Harefield on the 23rd January last, and pleaded not guilty.
The Crown Prosecutor said that the accused had been on the “Vernon,” and had been boarded out to a person named Cooper, who was the witness.
His Honour suggested that a telegram should be sent to the authorities of the “Vernon,” enquiring the character of the boy.
Constable Anderson gave the boy a bad character.
The prisoner was then put back.
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Nautical School Ship Vernon, Entrance Book, Henry Lane, 1886-1889 3
Name: Henry Lane |
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Warrant. |
Was committed for trial for bestiality but the Attorney General declined to prosecute on account of youth. |
Boy’s statement |
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Bench and date of committal |
[Wagga Wagga Quarter Sessions] April 1887 |
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Name, date, and place of birth, and religion |
Victoria 11 April 1874 RC |
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Nature of evidence as to foregoing |
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Boy’s appearance on arrival |
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Education. School attended |
Slight |
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Character. State if previously before a Bench of Magistrates. How many times. Nature of offences. How dealt with. Police report as to antecedents, companions, &c. |
Has been previously convicted and the police report him to be of idle habits, fond of bad company. |
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State if he has been an inmate of any orphanage, asylum, reformatory, or any institution, or in any way under State control |
Yes |
Education |
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Handwriting on Arrival: Henry Lane |
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Do. on Departure: Henry Lane |
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Circumstances leading to child being sent to Industrial School |
Charged with bestiality |
Left Ship |
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Apprenticed to |
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Parents’ names in full, occupation, earnings. Number of children. Have any been inmates of any institution. |
Father deserted – mother of loose character |
Term |
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Profession |
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Full particulars as to parents’ general character as known to police. Police to state if boy has been arrested on present occasion by parents’ desire or independently |
Indifferent |
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Wages (banked) |
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Do. (pocket-money) |
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Précis of evidence, dwelling more particularly upon any important features in connection with the case |
As above |
After Career |
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State of health |
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Name Committing Magistrate |
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1 The Wagga Wagga Advertiser, Tue 15 Mar 1887, p. 3.
2 The Wagga Wagga Advertiser, Thu 17 Mar 1887, p. 2. Emphasis added.
3 SRNSW: NRS3906, [8/1743], Vernon entrance book, 1886-89, p. 164, R2885. Emphasis added.