DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10652, 13 May 1895, Page 6

DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM.

TO THE 2DITOS. Sie,—With reference to tho sub-leader in Friday’s Lyttelton Times regarding tho death at the hospital of tho young girl Beatrice Newbury, will you allow me to state that on Thursday I despatched tho following telegram to the Minister of Justice?—“Hon W. P. Reeve?, Minister of Justice, Wellington,—Yesterday's Lyttelton Times contained a report that on previous day a girl named Beatrice Newbury, thirteen yaarsi of ago, had died at hospital while under chloroform for an operation at hands of Dr Nedwsll. Report stated occurrence wm reported to police, who considered sa inquest unnscc-ssary. I trust you will agree with rao that in such a caso mi inquest should ba held, and I therefore beg to draw your attention to the matter. Would have xvired you yesterday, but wan out of town.—G. W. Russell, Ricoartou, Christchurch.” Tho following reply I received from Mr .Reeves on Thursday night:—“Government cannot interfere with diacrotionc.ry power of coroner to hold inquests when ho thiuka proper, but I am asking Mr Bnetham for report. — W. P. Rsbves.” Tho facto may be set out thus, A girl, thirteen years of ago, is pub under chloroform for a simple operation—tha removal of a gauglion at the wrist. To the surprise of tha medical man (or me:: ?) the poor child dies under the chloroform. Yeb*no inquest is considered necessary by tho police! I cay that in ouch a case thoro can be doubt about an inquest being necessary, and tho inquiry should be a very searching one indeed. I will not say more at present.—l am, &c., G. W. RUSSELL. Eiccarton, Friday.