PINE NEEDLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 145, 21 June 1934, Page 5

PINE NEEDLE.

DEATH OF CHILD.

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

PENETRATION OF I/LTNG.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WAIHI, this day,

An extraordinary cause of death ivas disclosed at the inquest held this morning before the coroner, Mr. W. M. Wallnntt, into tho death of Margaret June Holdaway, the four-year-old daughter of "Pastor K. M. Holdaway, of Waimata, near Waihi. The post-mortem, as conducted by Dr. F. G. Barrowclough, showed that a pine needle had penetrated the lung, setting up a. condition of broncho-pneumonia, resulting in death. Tn evidence the doctor stated that the child was evidently sucking a pine needle and had accidentally, in gasping, breathed it into her lung. The presence of a foreign body would cause irritation in the bronchi, like asthma and croup. The evidence showed that the child became ill on Sunday last, and it was thought she was suffering from croup. The mother was sick at the time, and the assistance of a friend, Mrs. Elsie E. Vuglar, of Waihi Beach, was sought. She took charge of and nursed the child. .About 4 a.m. yesterday Mrs. Vuglar was awakened toy 'tlio child, who, upon being picked tip, died. Commenting on the extraordinary circumstances of the case, disclosed by post-mortem, the coroner said they afforded a warning as to the potential danger of pine needles. Returning a verdict that death was due to bronchopneumonia, following the presence of a foreign body in the lung, the coroner expressed the sympathy of the Court with the bereaved parents.