Dangers Of Leaving Children Alone

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1949, Page 2

Dangers Of Leaving Children Alone

DUNEDIN, Fri. (P.A.)—The dangers of leaving young children in a house unattended for any length of time were emphasised by Mr J. D. Willis, S.M., coroner, at an adjourned inquest yesterday. He was inquiring into the death of Mary Agnes Grigg. aged one year ana 11 months, who died from burns re ccived in a fire which damaged hei parents' flat in Hanover Street on June 20. Mr Willis said he felt it his duty as coroner to draw attention. _to the matter, adding that there had been a similar trageay in the North, where mere was more than one death. file coroner commended file actions of Mrs Ivy Catherine Brookes and Mr Arthur Wilham Jonnston, who went into the burning building and each rescued a child. WIDOW'S BRAVERY CHRISTCHURCH. Fri. <Sp.>. A home built by public subscription in recognition of a woman’s bravery w.itopencd by the Mayor of Christchurch iMr E. H. Andrews) at Liiiwood yesterday. The house had been built fur Mrs D. Madden, who rescued, with the help of a neighbour, Mr G. S. Wilmott, five children from her house, which was destroyed by lire on December 20, 1947. Three of the children were hers and two those of Mr and Mrs Brad brook. Mrs Madden, a widow, lost all her furniture and clothing and a considerable sum of money. A committee of local residents launched an appeal for assistance and more than £9OO was raised for Mrs Madden and her family. In addition, furniture and other household requirements were contributed. The new home was built with the aid of the committee.