DISTRESSING CASE IN VICTORIA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2637, 2 September 1881, Page 2

DISTRESSING CASE IN VICTORIA.

A shocking discovery was made in Hume street, Echuca East, the other night, by a young man named Paul. While preparing bis tea he heard the crying of an infant in the closet at the rear of his house, and on trying to open the door he found it securely fastened on the inside. He went ior Seniorconstable Ned well, who obtained an axe and removed the side of the structure. Ho was horrified to find a woman who had apparently been recently confined, in a recumbent position, and a male baby by her side. The unfortunate woman was at once removed to the nearest hotel, and restoratives applied, but Dr Crocker, who promptly attended her, stated that she was dead. The woman, who was apparently about 28 years of age, lias not yet been identified, and she is supposed to be a stranger in the town. The infant is doing well, and has been given out to nurse. An inquest was held by Mr Strickland, district coroner. The jury found a verdict that death was caused by excessive hemorrhage, in consequence of the unfortunate woman having been unattended during childbirth. The deceased has been identified as a single

woman named Mary Ann Arnold, aged 26 years, who resided at Bain street, Sandhurst. Her brother, who attended the inquest, stated that she was one of a family of thirteen, and although Bring in the same house as the others, none of them suspected her condition. She had been ill and delirious for several days, and left her home on Saturday, taking £1 belonging to wit ness, hut out of this she returned 13s by a nephew, and the balance was devoted to paying her fare to Echuca and purchasing a little brandy. The identity of the deceased was discovered through the exertions of the coroner.