SINGULAR DEATH FROM SCALDING.

Kumara Times, Issue 3057, 20 August 1886, Page 3

SINGULAR DEATH FROM SCALDING.

A man, who gave the name of John Smith, was received at the hospital on Monday la.st, and died somewhat suddenly yesterday, reports the Inangahua Times of Wednesday. The circumstances of the death are somewhat peculiar, if not mysterious, and an inquest will probably be held. The particulars, so far as it is safe to relate them, are that the man called at Craig's Hotel, Black's Point, on Sunday last, showing signs of being unwell. He soon after grew worse, when he was -ent down to the hospital. Upon his admission into the hospital it was found that one or both of his legs were badly scalded. He lingered, however, unti yesterday afternoon, when he expired. As far as can be ascertained the deceased was a stranger in the district, i hough it is reported that he had been working at the Lyell. Upon his arrival at the hospital he was in a helpless condition, and an examination being made, both legs from just above the knees downwards bore evidences of severe and recent scalding, being a mass of large blisters, presenting a horrible sight. There seems to be no doubt that the injury was caused by hot water, but how it could have happened is a mystery. The man, we believe, was unconscious from the time of his admission up to the hour of his death. The police have communicated with the coroner, and a full inquiry into the extraordinary circmstance will follow. It is now said that deceased had been working at the Inglewood mine. He is said to be a native of Tyrone, Ireland, and 57 years of age.