CONFLICT OF EVIDENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 257, 27 September 1935, Page 2

CONFLICT OF EVIDENCE.

INQUEST ADJOURNED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Sept. 26. Conflict of evidence developed today at the resumed inquest into the death of Norman Burgess, aged 22, who died under an anaesthetic at the Auckland Hospital on August 19. His father and brother both swore that deecased’s tongue had been excised from his mouth before the postmortem examination, but an anaesthetist gave evidence that it had been done at the post-mortem examination. The father also alleged that, although lie had objected to a postmortem examination being held, he had not been notified when it had been arranged so that he might attend. Dr Bridgman, who performed the operation, said it was for an obstruction to the nose and also the tonsils. About fifteen minutes after commencing, the patient suddenly stopped breathing. No operation had been done on the throat. Replying to Mr Sullivan, who appeared for the relatives, witness said lie could not explain the suggestion that the tongue had been excised. Replying to the Coroner, witness said deceased’s heart, which the postmortem examination had disclosed weighed 20oz, was the biggest lie could recollect. The Coroner said that in view o.f the blatters raised he would adjourn the inquest until October 2.