DEATH IN MOUNT EDEN GAOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11551, 15 January 1901, Page 3

DEATH IN MOUNT EDEN GAOL

JURY RECOMMEND IURTHER ' INQUIRY.

An inquest was held at the Mount Eden Gaol yesterday, before Mr. G/esham, coroner, concerning the death of one of the prisoners, George Boutwell, who was committed from the Oneliunga Police Court on the 9th inst., on a charge of being unlawfully on premises at Otahuhu.

Thomas Harrow, warder at the gaol, deposed that deceased died on Sunday morning last at twenty minutes past ten. Witness, acting on instructions, was with him on and off from before seven o'clock until he died. Francis Egerton Severne, gaoler, deposed that when received at the gaol deceased was in a very weak,' debilitated condition. Witness produced a- warrant signed by Dr. W. R. Close-Erson, dated January 9, for deceased's committal, at the foot of which were the words " medical treatment." This meant tliat deceased was to receive medical attention.. As soon as deceased arrived at the prison witness caused Dr. Darby to be notified, and directed that deceased should have nourishment and a warm bath, and be placed on a bed until the doctor should have seen him. Witness also gave special instructions ! that deceased should be carefully watched and visited during the day and night. He | was certain from his own knowledge that 1 this had been done. He considered that deceased was in a dying condition when he was first admitted to the gaol. He was with deceased from twenty minutes to seven until he died.

Dr. Darby, the gaol doctor, deposed to seeing deceased on his admission to the gaol. He was then in a very weak, debilitated state, and seemingly in a dazed condition, as though suffering from brain trouble. His heart was also weak, and from the first witness looked! upon the case as serious. Witness considered that the state of deceased's health at the tima.of his committal aside the question as to whether or no he had committed any offence against the law—was such as to justify him being sent to the hospital and not to the gaol. The cause of death was effusion of blood on the brain. Witness was satisfied that deceased received every care, comfort, and attention whilst he was in the gaol. ~ A : . After a short deliberation the jury returned & verdict in accordance with Dr. Darby's evidence, and added as a rider, "In view of the' medical testimony, we are of opinion that further inquiry should .j take place "as to whether, in the state of health of deceased at the time of his commitment, he should have been sent to the Auckland Hospital instead' of to: the Auckland Gaol."