UNFIT FOB HABITATION.

Northern Advocate, 15 February 1912, Page 5

UNFIT FOB HABITATION.

A DREADFUL, DWELLING,

INQUEST REVELATIONS,

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 15.

At the inquest concerning the death of Michael Collins, a fireman, who died in the "Bach," at Lyttelton, Dr. J. A. NewelFs evidence was to the effect that when Collins was attended he was found spitting up arterial blood, and his removal to Christchurch Hospital was ordered. In reply to the Coroner (Mr H. W. Bishop), witness said the "Bach" was a dreadful place. It was absolutely unfit for human habitation, and should not be allowed to exist. The insanitary condition of the place was found to cause septic conditions.

The Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to syncophy, caused by arterial hemorrhage. He instructed Senior-Sergeant Ryan to write to the Mayor of L.yttelton regarding the state of the firemen's '"Bachs." and the insanitary conditions of those places.

Immediately after the inquest a reporter went ro the "Bach," and found the owner in the act of tearing the place down. From the owner, the reporter gathered that the structure had for many years before he acquired it done duty on til'- waterfront as a watchman's shelter. It was a. wretched hovel, measuring obout Sft square, built of galvanised iron, and matchlined with timber.