Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 27 January 1882

A Mexboro’ Signalman Refusing to Have his Child Vaccinated

John Turner, signalman, of Mexbro’, was summoned for neglecting to have his child vaccinated.

On being asked if he had a solicitor to defend him, he replied in the negative, saying he could answer for himself.

Mr. Shirley-Blackburne appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

Mr. Downs, the vaccination officer, stated that, on the 24th December last, an order was made upon the defendant to have his child vaccinated within fourteen days. He had received no certificate that the child had been vaccinated.

Mr. Blackburne remarked that the offence was all the more serious as small-pox was very prevalent in the adjoining district.

Defendant admitted the offence, and said the child was too well to be vaccinated. (Laughter.)

He was fined 20s. and 16s. costs; one month’s imprisonment in default.

The defendant asked his wife (who appeared in court with the infant) whether she should go to prison or he. She said she would if he liked; it would be a change for her. (Laughter.)

However, the money was paid and the parties left the court.