DEATH OF CHINESE

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1932, Page 6

DEATH OF CHINESE

MYSTERIOUS BRUISES.

OLD CUSTOM EMPLOYED.

(New Zealand Herald Correspondent.) Suva, June 1.

A peculiar practice indulged in by Chinese when afflicted with sickness was revealed at an inquiry held by the Chief Police Magistrate at Suva recently into the death of a Chinese gardener, Chung Yuk.

It was stated in evidence that when the police proceeded to the house they found the Chinese lying on the floor where he had been placed after death according to Chinese custom. The other Chinese residing in the house said that Chung Yuk had got sick and died. Around the throat, however, were several deep bruises, and there were also bruises near the shoulder - blades and deep scratches across the chest. Medical evidence was given to show that the Chinese died from asphyxia, and the mystery deepened when several Chinese witnesses were examined and no satisfactory evidence could be secured regarding the marks on the throat and body, excepting a general statement that they thought that Chung Yuk had caused them himself.

Eventually, one of the Chinese, giving evidence, stated that it was the custom of Chinese when sick to take the flesh on the neck between the thumb and forefinger and twist it several times in succession. If the skin turned red this indicated the seat of the sickness. The witness also stated that it was he who scratched the sick man’s chest and made marks on his back, this being done in accordance with the custom.

A verdict was returned that Chung Y’uk died from asphyxia due to or accelerated by the actions of a person or persons unknown.