FATAL TETANUS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2102, 13 March 1920, Page 3

FATAL TETANUS.

REQUEST FUR OFFICIAL INQUIRY. Air J. H. Bennett, of Kltuwhata, through his solicitors, Alessrs Aleln(yre, Murphy and Taylor, of Bedding, wrote lojlie Hospital Board in connection with the death of his son, 11. H. Bennett, in the public hospital,. Palmerston, on January 7th, from tetanus, following gunshot wounds received on December 2i)th. Mr Bennett stated that lack of proper treatment and non-application of modern methods of treatment were primarily’ responsible for the death, of his son, and he asked that an official enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the treatment and death of his son he forthwith instituted by the Board.

Mr .1. iv, Hornblow said” they should obtain n full report from llu; uiedieul man in charge, and the cas'e should he investigated. Jn seconding the motion, Mr Bramwell pointed out that even endeavour had been made to satisfy these ptroplo, but they persisted that something more could have been done for the boy. Their idea was that the medical man in charge should meet the Board and explain what had been done and what might have been done. They were also prepared to give a certain amount of evidence. Mr Bramwell was sure (hat Mr Bennett did not wish to east blame on anyone, but it was with the desire that attention should be drawn to such cases, and that modern methods of treatment should bo applied to prevent future deaths, that he wanted the investigation. Dr. Whitaker drew attention to the fact that the Board accepted no responsibility to the outside public, as the Board appointed its own men. If it was not so, the Hospital Board could. not hope to carry on. Mrs Gill and Mr Smart supported the motion.

Mr Vincent said there was m direct charge laid, only a genera one.

Eventually it was decided to obtain a full report on the ease, ant that the matter then be further discussed.