ACCIDENT SEQUEL DEATH OF BUSHMAN

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21039, 15 February 1940, Page 11

ACCIDENT SEQUEL DEATH OF BUSHMAN

REFUSED TO GO TO HOSPITAL COMMENT BY CORONER (Special to Times) ROTORUA, Wednesday An open verdict was returned by the coroner, Mr S. L. Paterson, at the inquest into the death of Heiftopo Hamilton, a Maori bushman, aged 47, of Oruanui, who died in the Waikato Hospital on December 28 as a result of injuries received at work 10 days previously. Evidence was given that Hamilton had been working on the skidway at Oruanui, when his legs had been crushed between two logs. On examination, Dr. Armstrong, of Taupo, ordered the injured man to the Rotorua Public Hospital. He was transported by truck, but on the way threatened to throw himself off the vehicle if he were not taken to his uncle’s home at Horo Horo. He was accordingly taken there, and remained there for 10 days.

Hamilton was examined while at Horo Horo, by the District Nurse, Miss J. Horrell, who said he should go to hospital at once, but this he refused to do until his condition became extremely serious. At this stage it was necessary to transfer him to the Waikato Hospital. On his arrival at Hamilton, the injured man was found by Dr. E. L. Wilson to have a fracture of both thighs and a superficial wound. His temperature was 103 degrees, and the case was desperate, as gas gangrene had set in. It was decided that the only chance Hamilton had of recovery was that the leg should be amputated, and this operation was carried out. Shortly after it was completed, however, the patient collapsed and died.

“ If Hamilton had been removed to a hospital at the time the accident happened,” said the coroner, “he would have been alive to-day.” A verdict that Hamilton had met his death as a result of injuries received while working at the mill was returned.