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Whitehaven Gazette - January 21st 1897

VIEWING THE BODY.


The unusual number of coroner's inquests held recently in this district
brings to the front of the long standing grievance affecting jurymen in their
compulsory inspection of the body. Doubtless, when the law was framed this part of
a juryman's duty was absolutely necessary, but at the present day it is
utterly useless, and besides being extremely disagreeable and painful, it carries
with it considerable risk.

However wise the provision may have been in former days, it is now viewed as
one of the most absurd, and from time to time public opinion is brought to
bear on the subject by newspaper comments or correspondence, but nothing further
is attempted to get rid of the unpleasant and useless task imposed by law.

It is not my intention to paint this grievance in sensational colours by
giving sickening details. It is a grievance that demanded redress long ago, and
would have no doubt been redressed had the electors brought the subject before
their Parliamentary representatives. Editors may write articles on the subject,
and jurymen complain through the medium of the Press, but until their efforts
are backed up by the public little good can be accomplished. It, perhaps,
would not be a bad idea for the jurymen to pass a resolution at every inquest
they attend in the borough requesting the influence of Mr. HELDER in the
abolition of this disagreeable, risky and useless duty. Should similar action be taken
throughout the Division, and the aid of the Hon. H. V. DUNCOMBE be called
into requisition, the probability is that the matter would be brought under the
attention of Parliament speedily, and the desired relief given.

There can be no difficulty in meeting with the sympathy and getting every
possible assistance, on this or any other deserving subject, at the hands of the
member for the Borough, who is most accessible and willing in every possible
way to meet the wishes of his constituents. This, however, is more than can be
said for the member for the Division, who is doing positive injury to the
Conservative cause through his ill advised absence.

This is the opinion expressed in every part of the constituency where two or
three Conservatives are gathered together, and all unite in a wish that Mr.
DUNCOMBE would visit them oftener, with a view to keeping the party in touch
with the political events of the day, and infusing some spirit and encouragement
amongst its members and workers.

When Mr. DUNCOMBE favours his constituents with a visit, it would be well to
call his attention to the subject of this article, since it is one that will
afford him a splendid opportunity of doing good service, and this is what he
wishes to render to all, and is only kept from it by the ill advised absence.
 
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