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Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1928, Page 8

CORONER. ON “CALLOUS , CONDUCT” LONDON, August 9. Coroner and jury censured, the widow at an inquest at Romford (Essex) on John Smith (51), who was gassed at his. home. The widow, Mrs Clara Smith, of Douglas Road, Hornchurch, said she foundher' husband . in-• the. gas-filled, kitchen, and after giving him 6ome ' water, left him there. - She went out and returned v ; at. night and went to bed. The next morning she - went to; the kitchen again'and found Smith in the same position as he had been in on the. previous day, but lie was-dead. After leaving.him she had gone out and enjoyed herself with some friends, She thought her husband had recovered. The jury returned a verdict that - Smith died from gas poisoning, - but there, was no evidence to show the state of his mind. They thought the wife was deserving of severe censure. The coroner said he fully agreed, although Smith would possibly (have died even if medical aid had been called' at once, as he was not physically strong. He was satisfied that Mrs, Smith was drunk and not in .a fit dition to know what to do. There was, of course, no' duty imposed on her to release her husband from the position in which he was (found, and it was not a criminal offence, but he thought- her conduct was absolutely calldus.

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