Deaf Denaby Child

February 1917

Mexborough and Swinton Times February 17, 1917

Deaf Denaby Child

Application was made by Mr R. O. Jones, solicitor, appearing on behalf of the County Education Authority, for an order to send William, the son of Thomas Hendley, of Denaby, to a special school for deaf children until he is 16 years old.

The boy is 13, and is so deaf that he is incapable of being taught in an ordinary elementary school. The father was originally asked for his consent and to contribute 5/-per week towards his maintenance, but misfortune had dogged his footsteps. He had been ill himself, and had lost his wife, a brother, and a son, so that he (Mr Jones) did not feel justified in asking for an order against him at present.

The series of misfortunes had affected him, and he would no doubt feel very much the loss of the boy.

While the committee’s sympathised with him, it was the duty and the defendant’s duty to see the boy received proper instruction. If not sent to school, the boy might probably be a burden to his family and the State.

The father said he did not want the boy to be sent away. He was in the fifth standard, and would soon be able to get work on the land.

The Chairman said they sympathised with the father, but they sought in the boy’s interest he would be well advised to consent to be sent to the Deaf Institution. They would however make no order.