CORONIAL INQUIRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19505, 5 February 1926, Page 11

CORONIAL INQUIRY

DEATH OF A CHILD. ACCIDENTAL SCALDING. A Coronial inquiry was held at the Wanganui Magistrate’s Court yesterday before Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M., concerning the death of Albert Thomas Bish, aged 2 years 10 months. ' Tn giving evidence, Dr. F. A, Lamb said the child first came under his notice at the Wanganui Hospital on Tuesday, and was suffering from burns from scalding. The injuries Were very severe and there was only a slight hope for recovery. The usual treatment for burns and shock was applied, but without avail, the child passing away early in the afternoon. Death was due to shock, caused by the severe burns. The mother of the child said that on the morning of Tuesday she was engaged in the wash-house, the child playing in the vicinity. She put a tub of boiling water on the floor near the door, and was in the act of wiping out the copper prior to putting the water in, when she heard a splash and looking round she saw the child in the tub. Witness immediately took the child out, undressed him and did everything possible to relieve his terrible sufferings. She sent for her husband, who arrived within 10 minutes, and conveyed the child in a motor-car to the Hospital. The father gave similar evidence. In giving his verdict the Coroner said it was a tragic affair, and noblame was attachable to Mrs. Bish. He expressed the deepest sympathy with the sorrowing parents. Vigilance, he said, should be the watchword of parents where small children wore concerned, and this case should act as a special warning to parents. His verdict was that death was due to injuries and shock accidentally caused.