FATALITY AT WAIKANAE.

Otaki Mail, 7 March 1923, Page 3

FATALITY AT WAIKANAE.

NATIVE WOMAN BURNED TO DEATH.

Word was received by Constable Sath- [ erley on Monday evening to the effect that a Native woman, Mrs Kararaina Tiemi Roach, wife of Mr Waka Davis, was burned to death. An inquest was held yesterday before Mr W. C. Nation, coroner, Coustable Sathorley acting for his department. George Stanley Sharp deposed: I

am a medical practitioner residing at Otaki. On the 4th inst. I was nailed io YVaikanae to sec the deceased. When I arrived I examined her, and found

j Uer suffering from severe shock, the rer suit of extensive burns on both legs, I buttocks, .and loins. Recognising the I serious condition of the patient I ordered her immediate removal to the hospital. The deceased would not agree to this course so I suggested other moans of treating her in the house. The deceased mentioned to me, in questioning her as to the origin of the accident, that she had thrown down a lighted match while smoking a cigarette at the back door, and that this had set alight to her dress. The extent of the in-

juries were quite sufficient to cause death.

Tuia Roach deposed: I am eight years of age and resided with my mother. At about 11.30 a.m. on the 3rd I was inside the house when 1 heard my mother call out "Mum, I'm burning; mum, I'm burning." I got a bucket of water and poured on her, and put the fire out. My mother said she had tried herself to put the fire out. Her dress was in flames all over when I first saw the fire. My mother kept calling out and Puni Taniati came from a tangi which was in progress near by. Mrs Thomas then came and put oil on the burns, and raw potatoes on the hands. I got the water myself, my mother did not ask me to throw- it on her.

Meretuia Roach deposed: I am mother of the deceased. My daughter had been living with mo for about . eight years; I think she was about 48 years of age. The accident happened on Saturday. I was in the house at the time: my daughter was smoking a cigarette when f heard her cry out that she was burning, and saw her trying to take her clothes off. I got some water and threw it on the flames. We then brought her inside and Mrs Tamati put salad oil all over her, and we covered her up. A message was sent for the doctor. Deceased had had fourteen children, seven of whom are living. A verdict of accidental death through her dress catching fire and inflicting severe burns was returned.