DEATH FROM BURNS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 January 1918, Page 3

DEATH FROM BURNS.

THE INQUEST

On Sunday last an inquest was held in Helensville on the body of the late Mrs A. E. Stokes (aged 35 years), bath attendant, who met her death from burns received owing to the upsetting of a spirit lamp at the Hot Springs Baths on the morning of January 10. She was brought into the local hospital, arid expired there on Saturday last, 26th inst. The body, after the inquest, was conveyed to her parent's residence at Wainui, at which place the interment took place.

Mr J. F. Lambert (Chairman of the Hot Springs Domain Board) was present, and Constable Boag conducted the proceedings on behalf of the Crown.

The following jury were duly sworn in:—Messrs W. R. Fosbroke (acting Coroner), H. W. Stringer (foreman), R. Screaton, R. W. Walters, and F. Mackenzie.

Dr Meinhold, sworn, deposed— That on January 10th deceased was brought into Helensville suffering severely from bodily burns, and also from shock. She gradually got weaker, and succumbed in the local hospital on 26th inst. He attributed death to shock, resulting from severe burns.

Mrs I. Cormack, sworn, said she knew Mrs Stokes, who was bath attendant at the Springs. She remembered that on the 10th inst., about 7 a.m., Mrs Stokes came to her house, and said she had nearly burnt herself to death, and appeared as if'if she was going to collapse. She asked witness for some flour to dress the burns. Witness did not see her again for an hour, when she found her undressed, and she said that she had had a bath. A nurse who was staying at the Springs attended deceased and dressed the burns. She then seemed a ltttle better, and was able to move about. We then got a car and sent her into Helensville to the doctor. Deceased said she accidentally upset a methylated spirit lamp while making a cup of tea. The lamp was her own property.

There was no further evidence produced, and the following verdict was recorded : —That Mrs Stokes died from shock, caused by burns, accidentally received, through the upsetting of a spirit lamp, and that no blame was attachable to anyone.