SCALDS PROVE FATAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23384, 28 June 1939, Page 18

SCALDS PROVE FATAL

CHILD FALLS IN BATH TUB EVIDENCE GIVEN BY MOTHER [BY TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT J TAURANGA, Tuesday An inquest into the death of Colin Tapsell. aged three, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Tapsell, of Maketu, who fell into a tub of hot. water on Thursday, was held at Tauranga before Mr. C. T. McFarlano, coroner. Mrs. Tapsell said she was in the kitchen preparing the child's bath. He was playing in the kitchen, walking backwards and forwards. "Witness had taken some hot water off the stove and placed it in a bath-tub on the kitchen floor. She wont to the sink to get some cold water. Tho boy Avns then about Bft. away from the bath near the back door. While witness was running off the cold water the child crossed from behind her to the bath. She did not see him do so. She heard a noise and turned round and saw tho boy lying in the tub. He had apparently fallen backward. She lifted him out and wrapped him in a thick blanket. A doctor was called and the child was taken to the Tauranga Hospital. Dr. J. Mark, medical superintendent, said the boy was admitted to the Tauranga Hospital suffering from very extensive burns. He was given the usual treatment. During tho examination it was discovered that he had a. marked degree of diabetes. He died on Saturday. The cause of death was extensive burns, tho diabetes being a contributing factor. The coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.