A Painful Occurrence

Southland Times, Issue 19552, 5 May 1905, Page 2

A Painful Occurrence

Per United Press Association.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 4,

Ah inquest was opened to-day regarding the death of Miss Constance Cuddon, who died last night ut d nursing homo, at Bdiitli Opawa. The Coroner stated that tho facts, according to the police report—which lie presumed was substantially correct—were that the deceased., was admitted to. the home on ■ tho■ recommendation ' of Dr Symes on 22ndApril. He (the coroner) was of opinion that she was suffering from mental aberration and a proper subject for a lunatic asylum, though the doctor stated that she was Suffering from hysteria only.' 9n .’Otlr April, owing to Miss Cuddon injuring herself she was put in a strait jacket at night and strapped to a bed, specially by her feet. No cue slept in the room occupied by the dbceased. About 11 pan. yesterday a nufse, oh goirig to deceased’s room, found her dead, with her l ead hanging over the bed.. He did not say it was an offence for persons to take charge of lunatics, lut if they did so for payment a special onus was cast oil them that they exercised cai'e that no injury happehed to

thehi. The result of the present enquiry might lead to proper supervision of these homes and prevent similar occurrences. The inquest was adjourned till Thursday next in order to enable the case to be jnoperly worked up;