GAS POISONING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18620, 16 July 1930, Page 6

GAS POISONING

DANGER OF LACK OF VENTILATION. By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, July 16. That grave danger to life would exist when a gas radiator was burned in a small unventilated room was the opinion expressed by an inspector of the Auckland Gas Company at an inquest, opened before Mr Hunt, S.M., concerning the death of James Ebenezer Kimm, a tailor, aged 78, who died at Auckland Hospital on July 12. Kimm and his wife were admitted to hospital on the morning of July 12th, presumably suffering from the effects of asphyxiation. The gas inspector said he had examined the room wherein the couple were found. There was no escape of gas from the heater, which had five burners, and was in good order. Ample ventilation was essential, said the witness, who stated that all doors and windows had been closed. Oxygen from the air would be consumed, and cause grave danger to life. Charles Flanders Johns, a builder, identified the body as that of his father-in-law, James Ebenezer Kimm. On Friday evening witness called to see Mr and Mrs Kimm. They were sitting in the living room, and were quite well and in good spirits. They were reading, and had a small gas radiator alight, this being thefr only means of heat. Kimm had a new wireless set, and was very interested in it. At 6.15 a.m. on the following day. noticing the light still burning, witness went into the cottage and found Kimm lying back in an easy chair with his right foot against the gasheater. He was in a sound sleep. Mrs Kimm was lying on a couch apparently sleeping heavily. Witness then noticed that Mr Kimm had been ill. and realising that there was something seriously wrong he rang for a doctor. Mr and Mrs Kimm were removed to Auckland hospital by an ambulance. It was the custom of Mr and Mrs Kimm to keep their doors and windows closed. The gas heater was still alight when witness entered their room on Saturday morning. The inquest was adjourned sine die.