PUKEKOHE PRISONER'S DEATH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 166, 18 April 1916, Page 4

PUKEKOHE PRISONER'S DEATH.

On Friday, April 7th, an elderly man named John O'Grady was arrested in Fukekohe on a charge of drunkenness. The accused, who formerly worked in the Borough Council's quarry but had been lately employed on the railway works at Paerata, was the same day brought before Mr C. K. Lawrie, J.P., and

was remanded to Auckland for medical treatment. Under the cus-

tody of Constable Thornell he arriyed at Auckland that night, and was removed to the Mount Eden gaol. On arrival his condition was such that medical aid was sought immediately. Two days later O'Grady was removed to the Auckland Hospital, where he died at 12.55 a.m. on Thursday.

An inquest was held at the Auckland Coroner's Court last Friday morniug by Mr E. Page. B.M. Dr A. Neil McKelvey, actingmedical Superintendent of the Auckland Hospital, stated that O'Grady was admitted from the Mount Eden gaol on the 9th inst. He was in a weak condition on admission, and was suffering from excessive diarrhoea and vomiting. He gradually eaDk, and died at 12 55 a.m. on the 13th inst. The cause of death was gastro-enteritis. This could have been brought on by drinking swamp water or alcohol. The decased gave his age as 54, but witness was of the opinion that he was over 70. He had well-marked signs of senile degeneration.

Dr 8. A Stridp, medical officer for the Mount Eden Gaol, said that he had first seen O'Grady at 6.30 p.m. en the 7th inst. He was suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting. The min stated that he had been drinking large quantities of swamp water. On the sth inst. witness ordered his removed to the Hospital. Witness considered the causa of death to be gastro-enteritis. This could have been caused by drinking excessive quantities of swamp water. A. N. Ironside, gaoler at Mount Eden, stated that when O'Grady arrived from Pukekohe he was removed to thu inlirmary. Dr 43trMo was summoned at once and attended tu prisoner till he was removed to the Hospital. At this stage the enquiry was temporarily adjourned, pending the arrival from Pukekohe of Constable Thornell, who had boen telephoned for to give evidence. When the inquest was resumed later in the day Constable Thornell deposed that alter being arrested tho deceased slept for two-and-a-half hours in tho coll and then on asking for something to drink he was given two cups often. In order that ho should receive medical attention lie was taken before a .LP's Court and was remanded to Auckland. Whilst m the tram oil tho way to Auckland deceased told him v \vitnofs) that ho had been taking brandy to try and got rid of illness, which had boou produced by drinking bad water from a swamp at Paorata.

Tho Coroner returned a verdict that O'Guidy died from gastroenteritis, while on remand on a charge of drunkenness.