POISONING BY TUTU AT PARNELL.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 585, 24 November 1871, Page 2

POISONING BY TUTU AT PARNELL.

A Veey narrow escape from death by this dangerous plant occurred yesterday, and the saving of life may be attributed to the skill and unremitting attention of Doctors Kenderdinc and GoldsboroV It appears that a child of the name of Madigan, residing at Parnell, but whose father is at the Thames, had been playing in company with, three other little children about the cliff at St. Barnabas' Church, where this plant abounds. All the children appear to have eaten of the plant, and the others were very sick, but not dangerously. The little child Madigan, who is four years old, was seen .by the other children to eat a considerable quantity of the 'flowers and unripe berries. About halfpast twelve the child showed symptoms of poisoning, and a messenger was despatched "for Dr. Kenderdine, who, from uot being at home, was unable to be present till about half-past two. At that

time the child was in violent convulsions, find Dr. Kenderdine and Dr. Goldsboro', who had also arrived, administered chloroform, which although given till the child was breathing stentoriousiy, only partially relaxed the spasms,'although affording, "evidently, great relief. From the first, the poor little fellow was quite unconscious, and when not under the influence of chloroform the convulsive fits were of the most fearful violence. His little arms were quito bent back at the elbows, the eyes starting from their sockets, the teeth firmly clenched as in tetanus, and the whole frame violently contorted. To all appearance, there was not the smallest ground of hope. With great difficulty, a stomach pump was inserted and a large quantity of blossoms and seeds of the tutu talcen away. Even this did not at first afford relief, the poison having been, evidently largoly absorbed into the system. Cold douches j and various other remedies were applied, but nothing appeared to have so beneficial an effect as the chloroform. After remaining in this condition for twelve hours, the poor little fellow at length showed signs that the poison was yielding to the remedial treatment, from which time he rapidly advanced recovery. To-day the child is getting on very favourably, aud there is no doubt that in a short timo he will be perfectly recovered. Wo trust that the incident will be a warning to parents with reference to this dangerous plant. The ripe berries are so tempting, and so pleasant to the taste, that the presence of the plant in any locality where children frequent is highly dangerous, and if the plant is not eradicated, parents should impress on their children a knowledge of its poisonous character.