DEATH IN HOSPITAL

Evening Star, Issue 22471, 16 October 1936, Page 12

DEATH IN HOSPITAL

INQUEST ON WOMAN CONCLUDED The adjourned inquiry into the death of Isabella Mackie Booth, who died in the Dunedin Hospital on September -'J, was concluded before the coroner (Mr J R. Bartholomew, S.M.) this morning. Chief-detective Young conducted the proceedings on behalf of the police. Dr D. G. M'Millan gave evidence that on August 12 Mr? Booth visited him at his surgery for the purpose of an examination. He did not have any record of having given her treatment. Dr B. Monheimer said that he was called to Mrs Ross’s house on August 17, and gave evidence of his examination of her. Dr S. L. Wilson, house surgeon at tho Dunedin Hospital. Dr D’Ath, who examined tho body, Mrs I. Cundall, a neighbour, Mrs H. Mathieson, a friend of the deceased, Mrs M. Beatty, mother; of the deceased, and George A. Booth,' the deceased’s husband, also gave evidence. “ Deceased in this case was very secretive, and kept her own counsel, * said the Coroner. “ However, she mad® one significant remark: ‘ I have a guilty conscience.’ ” He returned a verdict in accordance with the medical opinion that death was due to generalised peritonitis following infection due to unlawful interference to indue® an abortion by some person unknown. The coroner added that the conduct of the medical men concerned had beea regular throughout.