DEATH FROM LOCKJAW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6823, 29 September 1883, Page 5

DEATH FROM LOCKJAW.

Mr Sasiuei. M. Smith, bricklayer, ind foreman to Mr. Holland, contractor, died at his [ residence, Vincont Lane, Vincont-streot, yesterday, the immediate cause of death being tetanus, or lockjaw. On Thursday the 20th instant, Mr. Smith was engaged taking down a scaffolding at the back of McArthur and Co.'s premises when the scaffolding suddenly gave way, aud Smith foil to the ground, a distance of about 15 feet, upon rough scoria, which had been recently spread. Smith was assisted to Dr. Tmnent's surgery close by. Dr. Teunenfe was not in at the time; but Dr. Evans happening to pass he was asked to attend the case, but he was unable to do.so. Dr. Bayntun nrrived shortly after, and on examination ho found that there was compound fracture of the left arm, and a wound on the forehead. Dr. Bayntuu bound the arm, and ordered Mr. Smith to be taken to the Hospital. At the Hospital Drs. Richardson and Bund set the arm, and asked deceased to return the following Thursday in order that they might see how the wounds were healing. This he promised to do. Mr. Smith being a member of the H.A.C.B. Society, ho was attended at his home by the society's doctor, Dr. Tennent The arm was reported on Wednasday by Dr. Tennent to be healing nicely. On Thursday aiurning,' in accordance with his promise, Mr. Smith proceeded to the Hospital, and Drs. Richardson aud Hond being engaged on his arrival, he waited in the building. It is statod that it was four hours and α-half before his arm was examined by the Hospital surgeons. They removed tho bandages, and f.iid that the arm looked well, and that Dr. Tennent had done all that was necessary. On rcashing his home that day, deceased said he thought he had caught a cold at the Hospital. In the evening symptoms of tetanus were noticed ; and nextmorning, hetweonnine and ten o'clock 'Mr. Smith expired in great agony, but his mind was clear till almost the i end. Dr. Tennent was present at the time of death, and r.ll through the illness ho attended, his patient irost faithfully. Deceiwed leaves a wife and four children, but tho family, we an; glad to say, ai e not unprovided for. The f.uncial uill leave his late residence on Sunday'afternoon at three p.m. Tho members of the Biicklaycis' Society and H.A.0.8. Hocicty, of which deceased was. a member, ivill follow the remains of their late brother to tho grave.