CORONER’S COMMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 226, 24 August 1932, Page 8

CORONER’S COMMENT

DEATH OF OLD LADY. “I have already referred to the circumstances in tins case, which, in my judgment, is inexpressioly sad,” commented tlie Colonel' (Air A. J. Graham) at tho conclusion of an inquest held tliis morning into the death of Airs Alary AlcCully, aged 85, of Palmerston North. “Up to within a few days of her death,” lie added, “the old lady appears to have been reasonably attended, though the Hospital was the proper place for her. She does not seem to have received during the last one or two days the attention to which she was entitled, owing to the unfortunate condition of her daughter, whoso husband, however, seems to have done everything possible for deceased. The matter of the daughter’s condition is one which should be looked into by the police with the object of having her placed in an institution.” John Sullivan, of 4 Pitt Street, gave formal evidence of identification of deceased as his mother-in-law, who had been partly bed-ridden for some years, and was attended by his wife. Fond was taken to her and she had practically everything she needed, witness said. She was not neglected in any way, to the knowledge of witness.

“When I returned .from work at 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1", I found her dead and the doctor hail not then been called,” witness added. 11l reply to a question witness said that at the time of deceased’s death bis wife was an addict to methylated spirits, and could hardly hi- capable or knowing what she was doing. Proceedings were interrupted at this stage with an intimation that Airs Sullivan, tile daughter of deceased, had sent a message stating that she was not going to attend tho inquest, to which she had been summoned as a witness, because she was in bed, could not walk, and was going to the Hospital. The Coroner (to witness) : Is there any truth in this?—She said she was not well this morning. Witness said his wife had objected to his suggestions to send deceased to hospital, as she said she had no faith in doctors or hospitals. The Coroner: 'l here does appear to inc to have been a little neglect in this case. From vour own observations did deceased receive all tho attention she should have had.—Aly wife used to look alter her pretty weli. The Coroner: But if a doctor said deceased had been dead several hours and had died on the Tuesday, would that bo possible without your knowing?—l returned home from work at 4.40 p.m. on Wednesday and found deceased dead. I asked my wife “When did your mother die,” and she replied, “Sho died in my arms at 10 a.in.” Constable Arnold stated that lie had known deceased tor about 10 months and had visited her on several occasions regarding her old age pension. Each timo she was bed-ridden. AVitness had seen her daughter, All's Sullivan, with whom she was living, but only on one occasion did lie see tho latter show signs of having liquor, and she was not then incapable. The room was always clean and tidy. Inquiries from people who knew the circumstances led to witness being informed that Airs Sullivan had looked after her mother creditably. The Coroner: i think that neglect was only suggested during the last few days.

Witness: Yes, when Mrs Sullivan went on a severe drinking bout of methylated spirits. 1 know myself she was an addict. Her husband did his best to keep her away from it, and asked me on several occasions it 1 could find out where she got it. The Coroner (to Mr Sullivan): Your wife has failed to attend here on summons. This is a very serious matter. I know you have done your best, but you must urge her to go into a place where she can receive proper treatment. It is vital that something should be done in the woman's interests. . Evidence was given by Dr. Cyril King that on August 17, at about 5.30 p.m., lie was called to 4 Pitt Street, where he found tho body of deceased. Rigor mortis was general throughout, the hotly was quite cold, and witness formed the opinion that death had occurred at least eight hours previously, with a longer period in all probability. The extent of rigor mortis was quite consistent with deatn having occurred during the previous night. There were indications that she had not received efficient attention. Death was due to natural causes. Tho body was well nourished. The Coroner: What was the condition of the daughter?—She was obviously under the influence of alcohol and was not fit to look after her mother or even realise that death had occurred. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.