A CHILD'S DEATH

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10713, 4 October 1912, Page 5

A CHILD'S DEATH

SAD CASE OF MISADVENTURE

The deepest sympathy will be felt for Mr and Mrs H. J. Francis, of Worksop Road!, -Masterton, in the death of their 2=}-year-old son, which occurred at a late hour on Wednesday evening, under sad circumstances. An inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr J. T. M. Hornsby, District Coroner, into the circumstances surrounding the death. From the evi r denco it appeared that the child had, by banging the door of the pantvy, knocked a bottle of belladonna liniment, which had been used for mumps, on to the floor. Tt had evidently picked up the bottle, drank a portion of the contents, and thrown the bottle into a wash-tub, where it was subsequently found by the mother. The poison must have been taken late in the afternoon of Tuesday, as it was not until after tea that tho (phi Id )>hnwed symptoms of illness. At about 5.30 the parents observed that there was something seriously wrong, and sent for Dr Prior, who immediately attended and diagnosed belladonna poisoning, both pupils of the eves being considerably dilated. Eurctics were administered, and every effort made to counteract the effects of the poison. Towards 11 o'clock at night the child rallied, and recognised its parents. On Wednesday morning, however, alarming symptoms again presented (themselves, and the child gradually sank, and died at 11 p.m. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure." and expressed his deepest sympathy with the parents.