A Subject for Enquiry.

Manawatu Herald, Volume 06, 6 April 1893, Page 2

A Subject for Enquiry.

An inquest was held on March 80th, at Dunedin, touching the death of Andrew Cussack. The case was an unusual one. Cussack, while working with T. Sontag, had hi 3 hand cut. He went to the hospital to have it dressed, and as it got worse, he was invited to remain at the institution for some days. He did so for some short time. Later, Sonfcag called to enquire about the man and was told that he was dead and buried, tetanus having set in. Sontag wished to get further information but was put off in various ways. After a good deal of trouble he ascertained that, instead of being buried, the body had been moved to the University under the

Anatomy Act, for use in the dissecting room. He and another friend of the deceased claimed the body, and the matter having been reported to the Coroner, an inquest was held. The junior Resident Burgeon at the hospital denied that he had informed Sonfcag that the man was buried, and alleged that he had evaded saying so. but SonUg iuul two otbcv

witnesses Were clear on the point. Inspector Pardy, who is also inspector under the Anatomy Act, was called, but demurred to giving evidence, as he said it might become his duty to take further proceedings. The Coroner, however, insisted*^ Inspector Pardy then stated that he had not received the necessary notice about the removal of the body until that day. Dr Hogg stated that he had given two notices to the undertaker, one of which was to be given to the inspector ; this apparently not having been delivered, he sent another notice. The jury returned a verdict of death from tetanus. The foreman stated that, without adding a rider, the jury would like him to say that thera was room for - further inquiry into the matter by the hospital authorities.