A CHILD’S DEATH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 17 September 1925, Page 4

A CHILD’S DEATH

HEART EAILCRE FOLLOWING DIPHTHERIA

An inquest was held this morning by Mr E. J. Seantlebury, Coroner, into the circumstances surrounding the death of \ meant Mellerick Lodge, aged three, an inmate of the Catholic Orphanage, Ma-nuka-street

Evidence was given by the Sister in charge and the Mother Superior, that the child was playing about normally with th,, other children until four o'clock yesterday afternoon. At this, time lie appeared to he heavy a~l drowsy, and was put to bed. He pirn went to sleep, lie was kept under close observation. and between seven and eight o'clock a change was noticed in his condition. and a doctor tvas sent, for. In the meantime .brandy was administered but death ensued a few minutes before arrival of the doctor. In his evidence Dr Lucas stated h e examined the child's throat and found diphtheric membrane on the right tonsil, and from liis examination and from what lie had been told of the child’s symptoms, lit* was of opinion that death was due to heartfailure in ;ui acute attack of diphtheria. Dr Lucas further deposed that it was quite possible that the chikt would only show symptoms of illness for a few hours before death, and these would not- necessarily be of such a nature as to make those persons attending the child suspect lie was seriously ill. The Coroner returned the verdict 'hatdeath was due to heart failure from an acute attack of diphtheria. 'The Coroner said be was quite satisfied that, everytliing possible had been don? for the child.