DEATH FROM STARVATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 30

DEATH FROM STARVATION.

CHARITABLE AID IN SOUTHLAND.

An inquest was held at Waikai* on Tuesday, before Mr R. S. Hawkins, coroner, into the circumstances connected with the death of John 1 Howie, a- man of about 60 years of age, who was found lying dead on the. previous night on a footpath leading to his hut.

From the evidence of Dr Murphy it appeared that (he deceased died of syncope, caused by insufficient food.

Constable Herlihy, in his evidence, stated that about two years ago, on the representation of Mr Hawkins, S.M., the Southland Charitable Aid Board allowed the deceased food to the valne of 5? per week, but this was not continued long. Representations were made to the board by the police, and ultimately the board offered Howie admission to tbe Old Men's Home at tnvercargill. Howie declined to enter the home so long as he could earn or get a crust, and the board therefore declined to m&ke any allowance.

After hearing other evidence the jury returned the following verdict; : — " The deceased, John Howie, came to his death through syncope or failure of the heart's action, consequent on excessive weakness and prostration."

Archibald Macdonnell, one of the jury, said he desired to add the following rider : — " That the insufficient nourishment was caused by the Charitable Aid Board withdrawing their allowance of 53 a week."

The Coroner, in receiving the verdict, said : I entirely concur, gentlemen, in yoar verdict, and I accept Mr Macdonnell's rider. If it were the policy of the State to force the poor into workhouses it would be another thing. But that is not so. There is no such State policy. I feel strongly that while the families of large numbers of able-bodied men are receiving, in the towns where the boards sit, ample outdoor relief the poor in remote country districts have great .difficulty in getting any relief at all. In the present case the board had no justification for trying to force this poor old man away from his home and his friends into the Invercargill Home. They did force his mate to go, but he refused. They had been assured by me and by the police that it was a moat deserving case. The old man only asked for food to the value of 5s a week, and the board refused that and made it the Home or nothing. It is high, time that the State gave to the stipendiary magistrates, at least in the country districts, power to order relief for the aged poor.