INQUEST.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2644, 28 September 1882, Page 3

INQUEST.

An inquest was held on Tuesday at Springfield, before Caleb White "oord, Esq., coroner, to inquire concerning the death of Mrs Hannah Hayes, who died very suddenly after her confinement early on Monday morning. Mr Bobert Colthart was chosen foreman of the jury, and Constable Oartmill was in attendance to watch the esse on behalf of the police. John Hayes sworn, said—l am the husband of the deceased, who was taken ill lato on Saturday night, and got out of bed complaining of bad pains. At 7 a.m on Sunday she asked me to send for the midwife. 1 sent my daughter Elizabeth, between 8 and 9 a.m., for Mrs Bayles, who came about 9 a.m. My daughter is about sis years of age. Mrs Bayles stayed until 50r6 pm , then went home, leaving instructions to send for her if anything happened before midnight. Deceased became worse again at 9.30 p.m., and as I could not get away 1 sent my little girl to get a woman to stay with the deceased to allow me to go for the midwife, but before assistance came the child was born. I laid my jacket down for deceased to kneel upon before the fire. I then went for Mrs Colyer, and with her assistance lifted deceased on to the bed, I ssked Mrs Colyer if she could manage all that was required, but she said “No," so I went for the midwife, This was about 10,45 p.m. Mrs Bayles arrived at my bouse about ten minutes after my return, and did what she could for my wife. After that the deceased had a fit, which lasted five minutes, and shortly afterwards died, death taking place at 1 20 a.m. Before death took place Mrs Bayles sent me for help, but before I returned home my wife was dead. I was away three or four minutes. Mrs Colyer left before the death, I then went for Dr. Meadows, who said it was useless his going to see deceased, as she was dead.

In reply to questions, the witness said : The children and mother had plenty of clothes and food, I believe the doctor saw my wife before her confinement. Mrs Bayles lives about three-quatters of a mile from my house. The deceased walked about during pains because it was more comfortable. Mrs Oolyer lives about 200 yards away from my house. Mrs Bayles waa the only person present when my wife died. Mr* Colyer sworn, eaidMr Hayes came for me about 11 p.m. on Sunday night, and eaid he wanted me to attend a confinement. I refused to do so, and told him that he should have engaged an experienced midwife. He said he had, but it waa too far to go for her. I then said I would do what I could if he would fetch Mrs Bayles. I went to his house and found him at home. Hio wife was before the fire, and the child was born. 1 did what was necessary, and assisted to put the deceased to bed, and then sent Hayes for Mrs Bayles, who came quickly. I placed the cose in her hands. I stayed about an hour and then left, everything apparently going on well. There were provisions in the house for a confinement.

Mrs Bayles, sworn, said—l was engaged to attend Mrs Hayes. I wa* sent for about 11 or 12 a. m. 1 remained for dinner, and went home in the afternoon, because ehe was better. She laid down on the bod, and I told her that, as I had been sent for throe times without any result, if sent for again I should send for the doctor. I was in bed when next sent for, and found the child horn when I got to the house. I washed and dressed the baby. Not long after Mrs Hayes was delirious; it might have been hal£-an-hour. No after-birth had come away. Mrs Colyer left when deceased began to rave. A few minutes aster the after-birth came away, deceased then became quiet and composed, and wished to be loft alone. The husband had left the bouse about fire minutes, when I called him back and told him his wife was dying. She died soon after. I have had thirty years’ experience as a midwife. Deceased said she suffered from want of food, and complained of her husband’s treatment. The food had been in the house only four days. She also said that her husband bad threatened to “ do for her ’’ if sho used his money. Deceased complained about a year ago. Hayes said last Sunday week that he wished his wife were dead, 1 was in the house at the time. They were quarrelling. They were jealous of one another. I purchased a pint of Schnapps for myself and Mrs Hayes. I was quite sober. Part of the liquor was thrown outside. I gave the deceased some twice. I took no precaution against floodisg. The husband was sober when his wife was confined. Dr, Meadows, sworn, said—l was called on the 25th inst. by the husband of deceased, but when told that she was dead I referred him to the police. Passing the house of Kayes a few hours later, I wes called by the constable to notice the body before being laid out. The deceased was lying paitly on her chest and right side, knees drawn up, and body bent. The cause of death was uodoubtedly flooding aft ir confinement. In ail probability proper medical treatment would have saved the deceased’s life.

The jury, after deliberating for an hour ai d a half, returned the following verdict "That death was caused by flooding after confinement; and the evidence showed tb it great negligence had been shown la not providing proper medical treatment, and th it Mrs Bayles is not competent to act eb a milwife.” The Coroner pasted some very seven remarks on the conduct of the husband ai d the midwife towards the deceased.