A PUKEKOHE BOY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 542, 22 June 1920, Page 2

A PUKEKOHE BOY

DIES ON FOOTBALL FIELD.

CARLYE ORR POTTER

Pukekohe people were shocked at the news of the death last Saturday Of Carlye Orr Potter, aged 16, whose parents reside in Pukekohe, The death came as a terrible blow to the parents, and much sympathy is felt tor them. The following is the daily press report of the circumstances:— A pupil at King's College, Carlye Orr Potter, 16 years of age, whose parents reside at Pukekohe, collapsed during the progress of the King's College-Sacred Heart football match, played at the Showground on Saturday afternoon, and died shortly afterwards. The deceased, who was a member of the King's College team, was noticed by the referee to suddenly lag behind, and later lie down. It was thought that he was winded, and some of the other players massaged him. They commenced to carry him off, but he said he could walk. He again lay down, and was taken to the dressing-room. Dr. McKelvey, of the Costley Home, was summoned, and when he arrived a few minutes later the boy was dead. An inquest was held before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. Dr. Stride, who made a post-mortem examination, said the heart was dilated, and its apex was displaced. It weighed 14oz. v.hich was Uoz or 3 oz more than it should have weighed for a boy of 16. The cause of death was heart failure, caused through over-exertion while playing football. In reply to the coroner, Dr Stride stated that if the boy had been medically examined prior to the match the state of his heart could have been ascertained and the school authorities advised, so that he would not have been allowed to play football.

The coroner returned a verdict ii accordance with the medical evidence, and added a rider that all growing boys who played in athletic sports should be medically examined periodically. Deceased-was the only son of Mr. pnd Mrs. Jjmies Potter, of "Rawhiti," PukekOblnHill, was educated at the Pukekohe School, and was a first-year pupil ot'King's College. He was a sturdy y«mg man, and a typical New Zealarids», and a boy who gave considerably promise. He possessed talent, and indications pointed to him l&ML'more than an ordinary athlete. a keen interest in football, and showed up prominently on' the field of play. He was highly ejteemed by his fellow college mates, a# by.all with whom he came in CollJHFKidefSw. Wilson, N. In 1& lamjwf "\l Leicester, and Sacrtfl HeaYPßollege-L. Jtae, L. Cott*r, T. W. Ffflgng. Floral tributetawere ftceivecTTrom all parts of 4m distr&t which testified to the popiSrity tfSdeceised. The sympathy <rf a wflfijmrcle of friends is extended to Vbti and Mrs. Potter in their sad bwwvemeaW» - , .