DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 20 March 1940, Page 10

DOMINION NEWS

USE OF CHLOROFORM. [Per Press Association]. HAMILTON, March 17. The use of chloroform for operations in New Zealand was the subject of comment by the Coroner, Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M., at an inquest held at Hamilton into the death of Betty Ruby Riley, aged 3 years, who died in the Waikato .Hospital on January 24 while under an anaesthetic.

“it has been sugested to me by an English authority that chloroform is used far too recklessly in this country,” said Mr Paterson. “Tn England, chloroform is not used nearly so extensively, nitrous oxide and oxygen being preferred as being safer.”

Dr. E. L. Wilson, of the Waikato Hospital staff, said he knew this view was held in England, but in Scotland and in New Zealand chloroform had been found satisfactory for general use. He was satisfied that it was a matter of being thoroughly versed in its use, when it was perfectly safe. *

The child had been examined on numerous occasions, and he had performed previous operations on her. said Dr. Wilson. The anaesthetic was prepared under his. instructions and in accordance with hospital routine. After the operation was commenced, the child became white and pulseless and, although restorative- steps were taken, there was no response. The child was not healthy, and death was due to acute heart failure. He was satisfied that the anaesthetic was a safe one, that.it was satisfactorily given, and that all precautions were taken. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was given, CLOSING OF EXHIBITION. TAURANGA, March 19. The Minister for Internal Affairs (Mr Parry) said that on his visit to the Bay of Plenty representations had been made to extend the closing date of the Centennial Exhibition to the end of Jtme. It was said that the slack period for farmers would commence in the last weeks of May, and would continue throughout June, which would be their only opportunity of visiting the exhibition. If it was closed at the beginning of May, . many farmers in the north would be prevented from seeing it. The Minister pointed out that the exhibition was controlled by a company, but he promised to represent the position of farmers to the Minister for Industries and Commerce (MJ? Sullivan) who would no doubt submit it for consideration to the company.