REMARKABLE SURGICIAL CASE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 18 July 1925, Page 7

REMARKABLE SURGICIAL CASE

BULLET EXTRACTED FROM BRAIN SUCCESSFUL OPER ATI ON (By Telegram**-— Soecial to The Mail.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day At the Christchurch hospital yesterday doctors extracted from the brain of Frederick Herbert Walton, practically tho whole of what was left of a .22 soft nosed bullet, which had been lodged there since. January 11th. lie is a lucky man to be alive to day. Air Walton, who is 50 years of age and the proprietor of the" wicker-working firm of 'l. H. Rowings. St Asaph Street, set out on January 11th to visit Bennetts' with, several member? of his grown up family. They intended to stay there and occupy tho time in shooting. When near Cast, about 7 p.m., Air Walton,, who was driving tho car, was accidentally shot in the back of the head by one of bis ■sons, who had a rille in the rear seat. The soft nosed bullet penetrated the skull and lodged at the back of the left hemisphere of the brain. The injured man did not lose consciousness?, and fully two hours after being injured, was driven to Christchurch hospital, where he arrived early next morning. * An operation was performed but a large portion of the bullet remained. He left the hospital after six weeks with a blind right eye and his right arm and leg partially paralysed. He was able to walk, however, and subsequently he went to Auckland with members of Iris family for a three months.’ holiday. He returned a couple of weeks ego. when head pains gave him consider fable trouble. On the assurance of his medical adviser, that more of the bullet could be extracted, he submitted to a further operation yesterday, after x-ray examination some days ago. Tho operation yesterday was markedly successful, so much so, that many fragments were removed and a good recovery is anticipated. It. is not expected that the portions remaining will inconvenience. him greatly. Of an iron constitution, Air Walton chatted brightly to member® of his family last evening. He has not resumed work since the accident, but his sons speak enthusiastically about his interest in affairs and hi s ability to hold Iris end up in an argument.