AN INFANT’S DEATH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5512, 11 December 1929, Page 2

AN INFANT’S DEATH.

ROOSTER’S FATAL ATTACK. HAWERA HOME BEREAVED. An attack made by a rooster on the infant daughter, aged 18 months, of Mr and Mrs A. J. Riley, of Gladstone Street, Hawera, was attended with fatal consequences on Thursday, when the child died in a private hospital at Hawera (states the Hawera Star). Medical advice received by Mr and Mrs Riley is to the effect that death resulted from infection, which spread under the skull from two small wounds believed to have been inflicted on top of the child’s head. The matter has been formally reported, but it is understood that an inquest will not be necessary. It appears that at about mid-day on the Thursday previous Mrs Riley heard a scream from her infant daughter, who was playing in the yard of their home. Going quickly to the child, Mrs Riley found two small wounds on the top of her head. Standing by the child was a large rooster, which had apparently pecked the child. Though frightened, the child was not distressed, and seemed to suffer no ill effects immediately, but developed symptoms of illness the next morning. The symptoms were consistent with teething—an illness common to children, but Mrs Riley promptly summoned a doctor. Careful attention was maintained and everything possible was done for the child on her subsequent removal to the private hospital, but death, from the causes stated, occurred on Thursday last. '