CASE OF THE MENTALLY AFFLICTEP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 61

CASE OF THE MENTALLY AFFLICTEP.

A SERIOUS CASE,

CHRISTCHURCH, May 4. An inquest was opened this evening before Mr Bishop, district coroner, into <"he circumstances attending the death of M'ss Constance Cuddon, who died last night at tlio nursing home kept by Mrs Susan Woods. South Opawa. The cotoimt stated that the inquiry would be adjourned to permit the police to work up the case properly, but the facts, as stated by the police, which, he presumed, weie substantially correct, were that deceased, who was 24- years of age, was admitted lo ahome which might be called a nursing he me on April 22 on the recommendation of Dr Symes. who considered she was suffering from hysteria. The coroner was of opinion that she was suffering from mental abberation, and was a proper subject for a lunatic asylum. On account of deceased's injuring herself, she was put, into a strait-jacket at night time, and no cne slept in the same room. About 11 p.m. on the 3rd in?t. . on Nurse Atkinson going to deceased's room, she found her dead, and her head hanging over the bed. Not only was deceased left alone in the room at night in a strait-jacket, but was strapped to the bed, especially by her feet. Of course, if she sti-uggled and worked, herself gradually over the edge of the bed. the fact that her legs were fastened would prevent her freeing herself from the jacket. He would address the jury on the law later, but it would be apparent to tbeni that the law provided certain treatment and certain places where people who were demented could be treated. In this instance the girl was taken to a home, and was treated by people according to their lights. He did not say it was an offence for persons to take charge of a lunatic, but if they did so for payment there was a special onus oast on them that they eiercised care that no injury happened .to such person. The result of the present inquhy might lead to proper supervision, of these homes and the prevention of similar occurrences. A post mortem examination would be made to ascertain, the actual cause of death, and, in order to be perfectly satisfied that deceased was choked by a strait-jacket. The jury then viewed the bodj r and noted the marks on the neck and feet of deceased. The mquf^ as adjourned till Thursday.

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