MAN’S DEATH IN HOSPITAL

FATAL INJECTION OF KEROSENE PATHOLOGIST’S REPORT TO CORONER (P.A.) AUCKLAND, October 23. The injection of kerosene into the veins was the cause of the death or Edgar Stanmore Day, aged 74, in the Auckland hospital on October 12. according to a report which the pathologist (Dr. W. Gilmour) made to the ioroner (Mr A. Addison). Day was admitted to the hospital on September 28 suffering from cancer. In his report to the Coroner, Constable Hull, who is stationed at the hospital, said that Day was being given an intravenous injection in Ward 29 on the day of his death. About 8 a.m., a nurse noticed that the drip bottle was nearly empty and replaced it with a full one, which she obtained from the dressing room cupboard. The patient collapsed about 10.45 a.m., but was revived. Half an hour later he collapsed again and died. It was discovered a few minutes afterwards that the drip bottle contained what was thought to be kerosene.

Dr. Gilmour said in his report that he made a post-mortem of the body on October 23. The right ventricle of the heart contained a quantity of fluid which was almost pure kerosene. Kerosene could also be detected in the blood throughout the vessels of all the internal organs. “In my opinion, death was due to an injection of kerosene into the veins, with the resulting blockage of the coronary vessels of the heart,” Dr. Gilmour concluded.

The inquest was opened on October 14 when evidence of identification was given. It was adjourned and will be concluded on a date to be fixed after inquiries being made by a detective are completed.