Coroner’s Advice to a Husband.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 19, 6 May 1908, Page 65

Coroner’s Advice to a Husband.

TELLS HIM TO THRASH HIS WIFE. Mr. S. Brighouse, the coroner for South-West Lancashire, gave some extraordinary advice to the husband of a woman who, it was stated, bad neglected her children. The enquiry related to the death of the six-weeks-old child of Arthur and Mary Glover, of 3, Braekley-street, Warrington, and had been adjourned in order that a post mortem examination might be held. Dr. Smith now stated that the child weighed six pounds, that it was in a wellnourished condition, and the organs of the body were in a healthy state, except the brain and the lungs, which were slightly congested, a condition which was present after convulsions. In his opinion the child died from natural causes. In returning a verdict of “Natural causes,” the jury requested the Coroner to censure the mother who had been warned and sent to prison for neglecting her children. The Coroner advised the husband that, unless his wife improved, the best course for him would be to ‘apply to the magistrate for a separation on the grounds of her being an habitual drunkard and the magistrates then had power to order her removal to an inebriates’ home.

To the mother, Mr. Brighouse said: This is your last chance. My advice to you is to give up drink. I know what I should do if I were your husband. I would deal with you in a different way than he does. I would cure you before this week was out. (To the husband) You give her a good hammering. Never mind the magistrates convicting you of assault.

The Husband: .She will give me one. The Coroner: If you cannot do it, send for me. 1 will straighten her up. Kind words arc absolutely wasted ou her.