A PRISONER’S DEATH. ,

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1921, Page 4

A PRISONER’S DEATH. ,

HEART FAILURE THE CAUSE, TREATMENT IN HOSPITAL. 1 A prisoner from the New Plymouth Gaol. William D. Kirkwood, single, aged 44 years, died in the New Plymouth Public Hospital on Saturday night, from heart failure. His occupation was that of a farm laborer. Kirkwood was received at the gaol on March 4, having received a sentence of three months at Inglewood for vagrancy. He did not then appear to be in ordinary health, and was seen by the gaol surgeon on the following morning. Subsequently prisoner was under medical treatment, and <’id not do any work while an inmate of the gaol. On Friday he was ordered to hospital, and was removed there the »ame afternoon, death occurring the following night. An inquest was held before Mr. T. A. B. Bailey, S.M. (Coroner) last night. Senior-Sergeant McCrorie appeared on behalf of the police. Evidence was given by J. Downs (gaoler) and Dr. Home, acting superintendent at the public hospital. Medical testimony was to the effect that when deceased was admitted to the hospital he had eymptoms of rapid cardiac failure. In a statement made to the Coroner deceased’s brother expressed the opinion that the whole affair was at least unfortunate. His brother had been in very indifferent health, *nd wps a patient at the Wanganui Hospital. He left there suddenly, and efforts made to trace him wore unsuccessful. For health reasons he could nut work, but he was no vagrant, iind money had been paid into his banking account by relatives. The Coroner agreed that it was a misfortune event® had turned out in such a manner. It was stated that deceased told the police to lock him up, as he wanted some attention. The brother did not complain of the treatment received by deceased in gaol. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.