DEATH FROM VOLUNTARY STARVATION

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11677, 12 July 1906, Page 4

DEATH FROM VOLUNTARY STARVATION

Dunedin, July 11. An inquest was held at High Cliff to-day respecting the death of Bridget McCredie, a widow, aged 71, who was found dead in her cottage. The medical evidence was to the effect that there were slight bruises on her chin and knees, as if deceased had fallen,, and struggled to get up. The body was much emaciated, and the post mortem showed the stomach and bowels were absolutely empty. Deceased had died from general exhaustion and starvation. The Constable in the district said the deceased's neighbors would have willingly aided her, but she constantly refused to accept their services. There was food in the house and deceased had some money. The jury returned a verdict that deceased died from exhaustion and starvation, for which she alone was responsible, there being no other reason for same.