DISTRESSING FATALITY.

Mataura Ensign, 29 September 1913, Page 5

DISTRESSING FATALITY.

A MEDICAL STUDENT'S DEATH. A most unfortunate accident, which had a fatal termination, at the Hospital last evening, occurred at Knox College, Opoho, on. Saturday afternoon (states the. 'Otago Daily Times'). The college students have been at work for some time on the construction, of a fives count, which necessitated the making of a large excavation on the hillside. Mr Rutherford Nichol, a fifthyear medical student, together with others, was taking a turn at the work, whein without any warning a large mass of clay fell, part of which enveloped the unfortunate man. Several other students warning near by rushed' to his assistance audi he was extricated a.s speedily as possible. Dr Ritchie was summoned and arrived almost immediately, followed by Dr B.'irnett a few mi mites later.

An examination revealed- the fart that Mr Nichol's pelris bone was broken. Ho was removed immediately to his room, iu the college, and another medical student in his final year sat.up and attended to the wants of the._injured man throughout the night. Yesterday morning it was thought advisable to'remoTO Mr Niclxil to .the hospital. On his arrival Dr Barnett and Dr Stanley Batehelor held a'consultation, after which an operation was performed. The sufferer gradually sank, however, and passed away about 9.30 last night, Mr Nichol was a son, of Rev. William Nichol, Presbyterian minister at Hampden, and his mother is a sister of Mr MeHu.tcheson, chief postmaster in this city. Ho was a fifth-year medical student, holding «, distinguished place in his classes, and intended to sit Tor his final -examination in January. He was respected alike by professors and students for his ability, his industry, his high character, and fine, feeling. His fellow-students generally hold the opinion, that he would achieve distinction in his orofession.

Mr John Ross plaieed: his motor-car at the, disposal of Mr William Nichol, a brother of the deceased and 1 a student at Knox College, and he, with Mr J. Ross, who took the services at the Presbyterian Church at Hampden yesterday, proceeded north to inform the parents of the accident. The latter returned' in tho car, and saw their injured son at tho hospital yesterday afternoon. Tho accident has cant quite a gloom over Knox College, and great sympathy is felt for the relatives of tho deceased.