DEATH FROM BURNS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15913, 10 May 1915, Page 5

DEATH FROM BURNS.

ELDERLY MAN'S FATE.

CANDLE BY THE BED.

An inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of Joseph William Charley, who died at the hospital on Friday as the result of burns, was held by Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., coroner, on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Johnson said that he had known Charley for about 10 years. He was a dyer and cleaner by trade, arid latterly had been employed by H. A. Coatfs, pork butcher. He was about 65 years of age, and originally came from England.

Dr. C. B. Rossiter said that about 6.30 a.m. on April 25 he was called by the police to attend to Charley at his whare at Mount Albert. He found him suffering from burns on the thighs and the lower portion of the body; also from chronic lung disease and shock. He ordered bis removal to the hospital. The deceased told him that he woke up during the night and found his pillow on fire. Tho pillow was ignited by a candle which he had left burning at the head of his bed. He extinguished the flames and threw the pillow across the room. He then went to sleep again, and on waking up later on found that his bed was on fire. He then crawled outside and called for help. The burns were quite consistent with deceased's 6torv.

Dr. A. M. Grant, acting medical superintendent at the hospital, said that death was due to toxaemia following on severe burns.

A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned, the coroner adding that there was no direct evidence as to how deceased came to be burned, but it was probable that the explanation given by deceased was correct.