THE CHRISTCHURCH LUNATIC ASYLUM.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLX, Issue 8167, 19 August 1887, Page 4

THE CHRISTCHURCH LUNATIC ASYLUM.

{UNITED press association.) Christchurch, August 18. About half-past 5 this morning an epileptic patient of the Sanoysida Asylum was found lying dead oa the floor of the ward. An inquest was held this afternoon, and evidence proved that he had received all duo attention. It appeared that Dr Levinge, the present Medical Superintendent, does not give medicine, except under special circumstances, to prevent epileptic fits, considering that such treatment only aggravates Sts. Dr Hacon, the former superintendent, habitually treated epileptics with bromide of potassium. Two attendants stated that the result of the new treatment was that epileptics in the Asylum had fits more frequently now than formerly. One of these attendants, however, is under notice to leave, and had been several times reported for not being sufficiently careful. It also appeared that since Jane Ist three epileptic patients have died, while in the previous six months no death, of an epileptic patient was reported. The attendants had noticed a

Blight increase in Matthews’ fits, but had not verbally reported it to the doctor, a being entered in a book which he saw every morning. Matthews’ death was reported to the doctor shortly after 6 o clock, but he not see the body, till 9.30. considenng he could do nothing by going at once. The jury returned a verdict that deceased died from suffocation caused by an epileptic nt.