FALL DOWN A STAIRCASE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 31, 5 February 1916, Page 6

FALL DOWN A STAIRCASE.

MAN DIES FBOM INJURIES. FRACTURE OF THE SKULL, The death of a man named John Joseph O'Donovan at the Auckland Hospital yesterday after receiving injuries through a fall down a staircase necessitated the holding of an inquest, which was conducted this morning before the district coroner (Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M.). Dr. John McGhie, senior resident medical officer at the Auckland Hospital, said that deceased was admitted to the institution early yesterday morning' in an unconscious condition, with signs of bruising about the face and skull. He showed symptoms of general compression, and was operated upon, but died shortly after midday. The cause oi death in the doctor's opinion was shock and intercranial haemorrhage, consequent upon a fissured fracture of the vault of the skull. The injury was consistent with the history given that deceased had fallen on his head. In the condition in which deceased was on admission to the Hospital it would be impossible to say whether he had been taking alcohol, but the doctor did not think that delay in bringing him to the Hospital affected his chances of recovery, as the fracture was of such a serious nature.

Algernon Menzies, a carpenter, residing in Scotia Place, said he knew deceased, having dined with him immediately before the accident. OTJonovan was under the influence of liquor at the dinner table, and talked to witness in a muddled way. Witness left the room, and shortly afterwards heard deceased coming along the passage-way. Suddenly there was a fall, and, rushing along towards the staircase, witness saw deceased lying in an almost unconscious condition at the bottom of the stairs. He did not appear to be badly injured, although he was moaning. Two attempts were made to obtain the services of a doctor, bnt finally the police were called in, and the injured man was removed to the Hospital

Emma Wartel, keeper of the boardinghouse at which deceased had been residing, said that after the accident deceased asked for whisky and complained about his right arm. He was evidently under tho influence of drink. The coroner returned a verdict to the same effect as Dr. McGhie's evidence