FINSTOCK.

An inquest was held by Mr. F.J.D. Westell, at the Plough Inn on Monday, on the body of Norah Pratley, aged 33 years, wife of Charles Pratley, a farm labourer, who died on Sunday in childbirth. Evidence was given by the deceased's husband and mother, and also by Sarah Holyfield (midwife), wife of George Holyfield, of Crawley, and Mr. O'Shea, surgeon, of Charlbury. It appeared that a difficulty arose at the birth which the midwife attempted to overcome, using, as she said a certain degree of force. Her efforts were unsuccessful, and the deceased fainted and died as the result of shock. It was stated that if a doctor had been present in time deceased's life could probably have been saved by the performance of a necessary operation which could only be performed by a skilled operator. The jury returned a verdict of death from shock, and the midwife was strongly warned never in such a case to exert the slightest force, but to secure the attendance of a properly qualified medical practitioner.