EXTENSIVE SCALDS CAUSE CHILD’S DEATH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19240, 29 November 1930, Page 9

EXTENSIVE SCALDS CAUSE CHILD’S DEATH.

An inauest into the death of Natalie Colleen Fitzgibbon, aged one year and a half, who died in the Christchurch Hospital last evening as a result of scalds received when she tipped a saucepan of boiling water over herself at her home at North Loburn. was held to-day by Mr E. D. Mosley, Coroner. Sergeant Wolfendale represented the police. James Fitzgibbon, a farmer, of North Loburn, said that his daughter was sitting on his knee by the fireside about 5.30 o’clock on November 26. Another child, Marion, was also on his knee. Natalie by accident tipped a saucepan of boiling water which was on the stove over herself. She was severely scalded on the arms and chest. Witness immediately put oily rags about the wounds and took her to Dr King, of Rangiora, who ordered her to hospital immediately. Dr D. E. Orchard, house surgeon at the Christchurch Hospital, said that he examined the child on admission at 8.30 p.m. on November 26. She was suffering from extensive scalds on the face, chest, abdomen and arms. Her general condition was good he did not think that there was any immediate need for concern. The scalds had been dressed and treatment was given. The child made satisfactory progress. On the night of November 28 the child’s condition became very bad and, despite restoratives, she died at midnight. The Coroner then returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.