MAORI CHILD'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22498, 15 August 1936, Page 14

MAORI CHILD'S DEATH

CORONER'S STERN WARNING ASSISTANCE NOT SECURED [from our own correspondent] TUAKAU, Friday "The parents of this child have been guilty of gross negligence," said Mr. C. K. Lawric, J.P., district coroner, at the conclusion of an inquest to-day concerning the death of a two-vear-old Maori boy, Katipa Graham, who died at Tuakau following severe burns received nine days previously. "If this case had been immediately reported io the district nurse," added the coroner, "tho child's life might have been saved. 1 have repeatedly pointed out that there is stationed in Pukekohe a nurse whoso duty it is to attend Maoris free of charge. Tf 1 have a similar case again 1 will have no alternative but to recommend the authorities to take further action." Evidence was given by Teniata Graham, mother of the child, that the boy was playing before an open fire in their home on an island in the Waikato River at Tuakau. The father, Wliaka Graham, was away from home, while witness was attending to her work outside the house. On returning inside she found the child lying in front of the lire in a pool of scalding water. The water had been on the fire in a large saucepan, which was lying upset close by. The child was screaming and wet through. Witness removed his clothes and applied warm olive oil to the burns. She did not think the child had been badly burned, as after a time lie went 011 playing, so she did not send for the nurse or a doctor. The child's father said that, had ho considered tho child to be seriously scalded, he would have summoned a doctor. Death occurred nine days after the accident. Or. II S. Douglas gave evidence to the effect that death had occurred fhrough septic absorption, following extensive burns. The coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.