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peterellis.org
May 2005
The Salvation Army has received allegations of abuse that stemmed from
childrens homes at:
1)
Hodderville
Boys Home,
Putaruru
2)
Celia
Whatman Home
Masterton
3)
Bramwell Booth
Childrens Home, Temuka
4)
Florence
Booth Girls Home, Newtown
5)
The Grange,
Remuera
Most of
these claims related to historical allegations from the 1940s and 1950s
The Salvation Army has investigated claims and on this basis has offered
compensation to complainants, that has been accepted by most..
The investigation by the Salvation Army has been done without involving the
police.
The investigations have also appeared to have been largely carried out on a
basis of believing the complainants - Alistair Herring "the complaints
were quite frankly appalling to us". "A small number of people
employed over the years have betrayed that trust," he said.
Regardless,
this site says that the Salvation Army is setting an unhealthy precedent by
making such payments in such a closed inquiry, and on the basis of unproven
and untested allegations of abuse.
If the Salvation Army considers such abuse is real, they should make a
formal complaint to the NZ Police, where such claims can be investigated,
and if necessary be tested in a Court of Law.
If alleged perpetrators are either too old, or dead, and claims can not be
tested, any payments made should be on an ex gratia basis on the clear
understanding that the payment is not confirming belief or disbelief in any
crime.
There are
sufficient doubts about the reliability of at least one of the complaints
(Gresham Marsh) to indicate that the Salvation Army are victims of fraud.
The Army has set dangerous precedents for fraudulent claims of abuse in
other similar historical accusations.
peterellis.org
Oct 2006
Trial of John
Gainsford for alleged offences at the Bramwell Booth home in Temuka.
Gainsford admits to four charges of indecent assault, and pleads not guilty
to 23 charges of indecency and rape
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People involved
Salvation Army
·
Shaw Clifton,
Commissioner
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Major
Alistair Herring, Spokesperson
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Colonel
Robin Forsyth, New Zealand Secretary General
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Lieutenant-Colonel
Garth McKenzie
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Roger McClay: Appointed
by the Salvation Army to look into the allegations.
NZ Police
·
Detective
Sergeant Marion Neill, Timaru, investigating abuse at Temuka home
Identified
Complainants
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Jan Lowe, Abuse
Survivors spokeswoman - alleges physical abuse at the Celia Whatman home
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Fay Chase - alleges physical
abuse
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Roy Skinner - alleges
physical and sexual abuse
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Anita - alleges
physical abuse
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57-year-old
woman - alleges harsh physical punishment, then sexual abuse at Florence
Booth Girls home
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Brent Aplin - alleges
sexual abuse
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Peter Murphy - alleges
physical abuse at Whatman House Masterton.
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Gresham
Marsh, Murderer, compensated for alleged abuse at Hodderville Boys home.
Marsh has also made similar allegations relating to his childhood with the
Marsh family - which have been vigorously disputed.
Accused
·
John
Gainsford, for offences alleged at Bramwell Booth home in Temuka. Gainsford
pleads guilty to 4 charges. On trial (Oct 2006) for 23 other charges he
pleads not guilty to
Lawyers
·
Sonja Cooper, a
Wellington-based lawyer
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