INQUESTS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8591, 19 September 1893, Page 5

INQUESTS.

An elderly woman named Eliza Burch, aged about seventy-two, died somewhat suddenly on Saturday. She resided by her* self, and was attended to occasionally by neighbours. On Saturday morning she complained of being unwell, and the police were informed. Constable Flewellen sent word to the Charitable Aid office, and a medic—l man was sent to see tho deceased. Ths woman, however, died before his arrival,

An inquest was held at the Caledonian Hotel at 9 a.m. yesterday, before Mr B_ Beetham, Coroner, and a jury of whom Mr E. W. Bailey was cbosen foreman. SergeantMajor Mason conducted the inquiry. Mrs Wills, who resided in North street, near the deceased's residence, stated thab she saw the deceased ill in bed on Saturday morning, suffering from diarrhoea. Witness gave the deceased some grueL After consultation wit— a neighbor it was decided to ask the police to send for a doctor. Information was therefore sent to Constable .lewellen about 10 a. m. The deceased died about 3.30 p.m., and the doctor did not arrive till 4 p.m. Mrs Reid gave corroborative evidence. The deceased was comfortable and had enough iv the house to eat.

Constable Flewellen deposed that -bout half-past ten on Saturday morning be received a note from Mr F. Mills staUng that Mrs Bnrch was ill, and asking bun to send for a doctor. Witness called at the deceased's residence, and then went to the Charitable Aid Board's office, arriving there at noon. Mr Norris said be would -end a doctor at once. The deceased was —bout seventy-two years of age. H Nprrin f-» tf-- ffiraw— _, able Aid" _-v_rd,-tatad rthaA tm receipt of Constable Flewellen s report he immediately sent a messenger to the Board's medical officer (Dr. Stewart), instructing him to attend the case and mentioning that it was reported by tbe police. About four o'clock be received a xeleplaone -ena_e frost Constable Flewellen stating that the doctor bad only just visited the deceased, and that die was dead. Owing to Dr. Stewart having met with an accident, he had appointed Dr. Mickie ss his deputy. The deceased was formerly a recipient of €—-rctabie Aid. After the death of the deceased- h-sbaad the Board saw reasons, partly on account of the low, intemperate habits and a_ belief that -he had certain means of her own, to discontinue the relief. The deceased -Mis then offered c, home in the Jubilee Mes-oml Home, but she declined the offer bods at that time and on a subsequent occasion. No application had been recently _r%_e for relief by or on behalf of the deceased. Constable Flewellen, recalled, stated in reply to a juror that Dr. Miskta aaid Dr. I Stewart had told him about the case as 1 p.m. The Coroner pointed out probably Usr. Mickie had other patients to attend to which would account for the delay in visiting the deceased. The jury, after a short retii*_t_e_t, returned a verdict that Mrs Barch died from natural causes, namely old age. The Foreman stated that the jury wished to add a rider to the effect that they considered the Charitable Aid Board had neglected the deceased too long without giving her assistance. A juror explained that they were induced to add the rider from --formation supplied by members of the jury. The Coroner said the jury could only be guided by the sworn evidence put before them. It was decided, after some discussion, that any of the jurymen could give evidence if they desired. Frederick Mills stated that the deceased had never indulged in drink since she had been discharged from the Hospital a few months ago. She was in reduced circum-_t-nces, and had been living upon what little she could sell from tbe garden, and articles she could spare from ber house. In reply to the Foreman, Mr Norris admitted that the deceased had been informed that applications for relief would not be granted. The jury, after further co-side-wtao-, decided not to add a rider to the verdict already given.

An inquest took place at Mr James Mar* shall, house, Brookside, on Saturday, touching the death of Mrs W. Potland, wife of Michael W. Poiland, a small fanner residing between Doyieston and Brookside. Owing to tbe indisposition of Captain Willis, Coroner, the inquest was held before F. Overton, Esq., J.P., as ActingCoroner, aud a jury of whom Mr John McLachlan was chosen foreman. After hearing the evidence of Dr Gosset and Constable McCbrmack, the jury returned a verdict of '-'Death from failure of vital forces." From the evidence it appeared that the old couple, who are aged some 70 and 80 years, have lived a very l* we _J l __ fe * When the body was diseoverad oa Friday the woman had been dead two days, aad although Mr Poiland w_s going *__*__***" ordinary work and duties, he —Ilowed we body to remain on the sofa without __Meming or summoning tbo doctor ov any of the neicfabo-rs. When the storeraan who bad been buying Mr PoUand's egsps and produce looked in the house he _c*iced the body lying dead and fully dressed.