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65
Inquests.
Twenty-nine inquests were held during the
year, and the following verdicts returned:—
1, From Natural Cause 15
2, Accidental—Overlaying 4
Suffocation while swallowing
bread 1
Run over by train 1
Injuries from fall 3
,, ,, burn 1—10
3. Suicidal,—Cut-throat 1
Hanging 1
Drowning 1— 3
4. Open Verdict.— Found dead 1—1
Total 29
Four uncertified deaths occurred during the year, no
medical evidence being taken as to the cause of death.
It is obvious that in all such uncertified cases the possibility
of homicide or suicide can only be eliminated by
a medical examination and inquiry, and that the
Coroner's judgment, founded as it must necessarily be
on hearsay, should not be allowed to decide the question
as to whether an inquest is required or not.
Sanitary
Proceedings
of the Year.
The number of houses inspected during the
past year was 3,919, as compared with 3,441
in the previous year. The total number of
nuisances dealt with amounted to 4,259, of which 3,835
were abated under notice, and 424 under promise. The
table on page 22 gives a statement of the nuisances dealt
with which can be conveniently tabulated. In addition
to the cases stated in the table, the following works were
executed:—122 new ventilating pipes inserted, 47 ventilating
pipes repaired, 121 closet valve air-pipes removed
from inside drinking-water cisterns, 32 soil-pipes repaired,
11 water-closets ventilated, 6 new sinks constructed, 3