SUDDEN DEATH

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 14 October 1920, Page 2

SUDDEN DEATH

The death occurred at the Auckland Hospital 3 on Sunday last of Mr John Shanks, a well-known Kaukapakapa resident. Deceased was 36 years of age and was a returned soldier, having seen two years active service. An inquest was conducted on Sunday at Auckland, by Mr W. R. McKean, S. M. Evidence was given that the deceased was admitted last Wednesday suffering from a swelling in the lower abdomen. An operation was decided upon and the patient was given an anaesthetic. He collapsed almost immediately, and although heart massnge and other remediee were resorted'to for half an hour, he failed to rally. Or D.N.W. Murray, who conducted the post-mortem examination, said death was due to dilation of the heart following pleuritic adhesion of the lungs and a pßoas abcess. Every care and precaution had been taken. The coroner returned a finding in accordance with the medical evidence, no blame being attachable to anyone.

The funeral took place at Kaukapakapa on Tuesday afternoon last, when a good number of residents and relatives paid their last respects to the deceased soldier. Rev. Buttervrorth conducted the service at the graveside.