A CHILD BURNED TO DEATH'

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9831, 28 May 1895, Page 5

A CHILD BURNED TO DEATH'

Our Te Kopuru correspondent writes:— A little girl, aged five years, named Ceoilift Herkt, daughter of John Herkt, residing about three miles from Kopuru township, was severely burned on Saturday soon after midday. The mother had, about fifteen minutes previously, left Cecilia to rook the baby while she went out, leaving also a brother aged seven years with her. Soon afterwards the little boy came running out and gave the alarm, when the mother and another brother, Franz, aged nine years, at once ran to the house where they found Cecilia standing in a tub with a little water in it. When Franz reached the house his sister's clothes were still burning and be put the flames out. The father, who., was about half a mile distant, was called, and on seeing the state of his daughter, at once went into Kopuru and fetched Mr. Welham to her assistance. On examination they, found the injuries to be very severe about the legs and back. The child was conscious, bub did nob appear to be in much pain. She made no statement, and died justabout twenty-four hours after the painful accident. Part of deceased's clothing was of wool, and this saved the chest. The accident has roused much sympathy for the parents, who have lived in this neighbourhood for many years. An inquest was held before Mr. Webb and a jury, of whom Mr. Chadwick was foreman. The verdict was accidental death. The deceased was buried the same afternoon in the Recthill Churchyard.