TRAGEDY IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12482, 19 April 1906, Page 4

TRAGEDY IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL.

(press association telegram.)

AUCKLAND, April 18. At the Avondale Mental Hospital a few days ago a female patient was about to be given a bath, when the door bell rang violently. The attendant left the patient in charge of another patient, who had been helping the nurse. Unfortunately, the nurse, it is stated, lost her presence of mind, and did not lock up the tap for hot water. During her brief absence the second patient turned on the hot water and scalded the other patient. Evidently she observed that she had made a mistake, as she had turned off the hot water and turned on tho cold, for the cold water tap only was running into the bath when tho nurse returned after answering the door.

Dr. Bcattio, Medical Superintendent, was absent from Auckland, and Dr. McKelvey was in charge. He immediately rendered medical assistance, but nextday the patient died. An inquest was hold, and a verdict of accidental death was returned. The jury added a rider stating that no blame was attachablo to anyone.