ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

Evening Star, Issue 15481, 1 May 1914, Page 6

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

At the inquiry at Tnvercargill into the ckaih of Thomae M'Dermid, who dropped dead after the parade of Senior Cadets on Monday, the medical evidence showed that the aortic valve was diseased to an extreme degree, representing a particular form of heart disease, in which sudden death often occurs. Such a disease is very rare in a youth of 17. A verdict in accordance- with the medical testimony was returned. An extraordinary accident occurred, at tho conclusion of the Tunaru Cup race at the South Canterbury Jockey Club's Meetin" on Wednesday. A small crowd'of men clrstered about the finishing post on the side of tho course opposite the judge's box, and some of these were hanging over the Tails, endeavoring to get a good view of the finish. Two of them, doubtless having their view obscured by others, failed to withdraw their heads as the horses brushed past, and in a moment both of them, a man and a boy, were lying imconscious on the ground, Parable was finiehing fast on the rails, and the rider's foot struck the man on tho head, knocking him against the boy, who was also struck on the head. Tho lad was stunned, but was not seriously injured, and was later taken to his home. Tho other victim had to be. taken to the hospital. An Ashburton message 6tates that at tho adjourned inquest touching the death of the nino-months-old son of Mrs V. S. Willcocks, the coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony—viz., that death had been accidentally caused by suffocation. A Tirnara message states that a fanner named Thomas Douglas was driving home from Pleasant Point at 9.30 last night when the trap capsized over an embankment at Vague's Hill, and Mr Douglas was killed.

An accident happened about 11 o'clock tins morning. A lad named Morgan fell into the river opposite the 'New Zealand Shipping Company's shed. W. Teviotdale, in the employ of the Shipping Company, went in and seized the lad, and struggled against the strong current. Edwards, a fellow-employee, went to the rescue, and a boat put out. Jhe lad and Edwards managed to grasp the boat, but Teviotdale sank. The body was recovered after a lapee of 10 minutes, and effoste to resuscitate Teviotdale are being continued under medical timervision.—Foxton telegram. James Offen, 16 years of age, residing at Hall street, South Dynedin, was admitted to the Hospital shortly before 3 o'clock this afternoon suffering from a cut and bruised head and face. It is surmised that the lad fell while riding a bicycle.