SUDDEN DEATH AT CHRISTCHURCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 9 May 1925, Page 4

SUDDEN DEATH AT CHRISTCHURCH

EORMEII NELSON RESIDENT (By Telegraph.—Special to The Mail.) CHRISTCHURCH. May 8. The inquest touching the death of Mis .Mancie Ellen Bourne Webb, who died suddenly at her home. Fitzgerald Street, yesterday, was opened by Mr \\ iddowson, the Coroner. Henrv Angiolo Bourne W ebb, husband of the deceased. said his wife was 31 years of age. They had been married five years, and had one child. They came to Christchurch from Nelson about three months ago. His wife had enjoyed good health, having had no serious illnesses. It was when they were at tea that witness’s wife complained of pains ri the stomach. That was just at the commencement of the’ meal. She had bad just, a few mouthfuls of stew. Tlie pains complained of were violent-. Withis mother-in-law put Mrs W elni to bed. Deceased said she felt easier after having had a dose of mediI'ltie. Witness sat up with her until nan-past two. She had a little pain during that, time, hut, treatment for indigestion gave her relief. Witness then went lo bed and was awakened at 5 m. by hearing his wife groaning. She asked fm; a ettp of tea, At that time •M.e was in great pain. Witness gave her a. cup of tea, lmt deceased could not, hold the cup. He then called the mother and went, for Dr Davis. When witness returned, his wife was unconscious. I)r I-avis arrived shortly after witness Deceased never rallied again. The doctor was present, for an hour, but Mrs Webb ‘ ‘ l '7 "•ttiiout regaining consciousness. Witness said that all Ihe people at the tea table partook of the stew, and no 1,1 eilecls were felt. Deceased had never complained o-f pain in the chest or side. Ellon Gullick, mother of deceased, saij that Mr and Airs Webb had been a very affectionate couple. Witness's c> a tighter never been ill since her marriage. Witness and her daughter nad both helped to make th e stew in the afternoon, and so far as he knew there was nothing i n it that would piove injurious. When deceased woke up at five m the morning sh e complained of violent, pains, hub had not asked lor the doctor during the night ,!01 ’ M'ould she take any stimulants. Witness did not consider her condition serious. While her son-in-law was (fetching the doctor in the moraine, witness did wliat she could for deceased who became unconscious while Dr Davis was coining. Witness could not account for the death of Airs Webb. In answer to Dr Davis witness said ins stow was made of fresh steak earrot. parsnip, onion; and barley. It was cooked jn an aluminium pot which was in constant, use. Deceased had been pained by a. severe goitre at various periods.

Dr Davis said that lie was called at about 5.20 a.m. He reached the house M about 5.30, and he found deceased lying m bed and unconscious, and apparently in a dying condition. She was pulseless and pale. Her heart was still beating, but it was very low. Witness first- of all gave injections to stimulate her, and then attempted artificial respiration. She revived sufficiently to take an occasional breath. but the hearf. gradually weakened, and she died aboiit 6.15. Witness was unable to give anv opinion as to the cause of the death. * The inquest was adjourned until a post-mortem examination can be made.