OPERATION AT SEA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22986, 15 September 1936, Page 10

OPERATION AT SEA

CAPTAIN OF THE MARAMA PATIENT’S CONDITION SATISFACTORY (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Sept. 14. After the dramatic incident connected with the wireless call on Friday morning for surgical aid in operating on the Marama’s captain, the Niagara arrived at Auckland this morning. _ . . On receipt of the call, Captain W. Martin increased the Niagara’s speed, and changed his course, but shortly afterwards another wireless message announced that assistance was not required. In anticipation of the absence of the ship’s surgeon (Dr ,D, J Sweeney) arrangements had been made for Dr G. Hodges, a member of the Austialian women s hocke> team, which was proceeding to Vancouver, to act as ships surgeon. , . , The Niagara had a fairly calm crossing. “ Doing very well ” was the report given on Captain Kane, who was operated on for appendicitis, when the Marama arrived to-day. The operation was carried out by Dr Orbell, a passenger, after consultation with Dr Mercer, the ship s doctor, when the captain took ill after the Marama left Sydney on Thursday night. Dr Mercer administered the anaesthetic, and valuable assistance was given by Steward Litchfield, ti t t Dr Orbell said to-day that it would have been dangerous to postpone the operation until the ship reached port Speed was reduced during the operation. In the interests of Captain Kane s m eater comfort he was removed to hospital on his arrival.