DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1923, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[BY TKLKfIRAPU —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] A WOMAN’S DEATH. WHILE UNDER ANAESTHETIC. CHRISTCHURCH, May 11. A most unusual cause of death was disclosed during the hearing of evidence respecting the death of ah elderly woman who died under an anaesthetic administered for the purpose of having an opera 1 ion performed. The respiratory organs became flooded with liquid and the patient- was practiealh drowned. The name of the deceased was Mrs Anita Gunderson, a widow, sixty-four years of age. who died at Lewisham Hospital last week. At the inquest which was held to-day. the Coroner said: “In every case where patients die under anaesthetics. I think that it is desirable that a full investigation of the circumstances should he made, as I have had done in tins case. 1 think that the investigation is desirable in the interests of both tbe medical profession and the general public.’’ The Coroner added that Mrs Gunderson had put off the operation until her condition had become serious. An enormous gall-stone had apparently ulcerated right through the intestines, and had caused a partial stoppage, rosiiltillo in a- large collection of fluid, which win vomited when Mrs Guhdcrson was under the anaesthetic: and she had thus choked herself. The surgeon and the doctor had been unable to ascertain the existence of the collection ot fluid, ami could not reasonably anticipate the unusual form of vomiting. He returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. WELCOME WEEK. WELLINGTON. May 12. tYhat is to he known as Wellington's welcome week will now become an accomplished fad. The date fixed is the second week in July ami the project has been'warmly taken up hv •' large body of leading citizens representing every industrial, sporting and other associations who are working enthusiastically to make the new defuture a success. The programme includes racing, football, hockey, golf, indoor howls, tennis, billiards, concerts, competitions, community singing, shop displays brass and pipe band marching, races, and a--citizens papet ball. An art union was launched this week with ihree hundred pounds ],riz.es. Special committees are looking after transport and housing arrangements. D. .1. MiGuwan ! president of the Carriers' Association) is Chairman, and Colonel Mitchell Secretary.

RITA NICOLE’S DEATH. BLENHEIM. May 11. The inquest oil Rita Violet Ellen _\„.,,!l who died from results ot the alleged use of an instrument by Richard 1 Lillis, was held ibis afternoon. The girl's depositions, taken shortly before her death, were read to the effect that one Thomas \ iggers procured Hollis to use an instrument for the purpose ot . procuring abortion. Medical evidence of the post mortem proved that death resulted from the iiift etioii of a blood stream caused by a punctured injury to the uterus, the injury was one likely to result from the unskilled use or an instrument. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony. AUCKLAND SITTING. AUCKLAND, May 11 At the Supreme Court to-day, the jury, after a relit eluent of three hours, returned a verdict ol guilty against Forty IV. Douglas, bankrupt auctioneer. who appeared on nine charges of converting to his own use, moneys amounting to L 1(18 12s 3.1. .Mr Justice Herdman said lie would lake into consideration the prisoners’s previous good character, but in the interests of business morality he was bound to impose a sentence. Tbe accused was sentenced to 12 mouths' imprisonment with hard labour on each charge, the sentences to be i roe uncut ITA DAMAGES. WELLINGTON, May 1.1. In the breach of promise wherein M’inifred Eileen Riordan sued Edward William Vcitcli, claiming £750 damages the jury returned a verdict for plain-tiff-for L7o nett, with a direction that the money was to lie paid direct to the plaintiff.

TENDER ACCEPTED. AVELLTNGTON, ALy U. The Public Works Department has accepted flic tender of AVeod and AlrCormick, Dunedin for tbe erection ol the Southland Boys’ High S'bol. Tbe price is .235,238.

BREACH OF PROMISE. PALMERSTON NORTH, May 11. The hearing of the case of breach of promise, Anna Florence versus W. J. A. Hull', was continued. Defendant in evidence admitted that the day after breaking with Mrs Florence he met Ins present wife and proposed on the same day. Corroborative evidence fur the defence v.as called to show that plaintiff had declared that she never intended to marry. The jury after a retirement of (15 minutes, returned a verdict for plaintiff, awarding £3OO solatium. DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. •WELLINGTON, May 11. \ deputation from the Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association, waited on the Postmaster-General to-day, and discussed with him the remits passed at the recent conference. Among the questions dealt will, were the retirement of postal officers with more than forty-years’ service, and conditions as they affect returned soldiers who resigned and joined up again; also ccrt»,in regulation* affecting the service. The Minister promised to consider on their merits all the matters referred to. HOSPITAL ENQUIRY. WELLINGTON, May 12. Th»? Hospital Board lias passed a motion that the Hoard hold a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the admission to the hospital of the late Phyllis Porter, oil May 6th., and into the allegations of undue delay in affording treatment to the deceased. The inquiry shall be open to the press and shall commence at 10 a.m., on May. 14th at the Board ltoom.