"Very Wise "

NZ Truth, Issue 1306, 22 December 1930, Page 5

" Very Wise "

— 1 suggested to Lady Hunter at the | time of: the .stroke that Dr. Giesen should be called m. His Honor: It. seems that you took a very wise precaution, Mr. Dunn. You were quite wise m deciding that it would be better that" the doctors should examine the testator before he made his will; but after you had done that, what steps did you take to ascertain whether 'the other doctor approved— you knew Dr.. Steele approved, but what steps did you take to find out whether the other doctor approved?— I took ho steps that I can recollect, beyond an assurance from Lady Hunter that he was satisfied. John Martin Twhigg, medical practitioner, of Wellington, said that he had a considerable experience of apoplectic cases. He had at one time been m charge of an infirmary m London where a number of these cases were treated. ' Dr. Twhigg, after considerable technical medical evidence, said that paralysis m an apoplectic case was possible without mental impairment, after the initial reaction had fc passed. It was also possible for a person partially paralysed from apoplexy to carry on business without loss of mental vigor. Mr. Gray : Now, take the present case — you heard the evidence of Nurse West and Dr. Steele? — Yes. If it be a fact that Sir George Hunter was never wholly unconscious, that his semi-comatose condition passed off within a few days; that his bodily functions were normal, and that four days after the stroke he was able to talk business with his nephew, what would that indicate? Witness: In these cases one judges one's prognosis on certain factors. These include the depth of the coma, the fact that the coma is not deepen-, ing, the fact that there has been no recurrence of coma, and if it appears to be clearing up quickly, the outlook of the case is considered more favorably. Also the fact that there was no interference with bodily functions indicates that the coma could not have been of a very severe degree. If the coma is clearing up rapidly that is also a favorable sign. Assuming that Sir George prior to this stroke had lived an active life, and that prior to his illness he had disposed of his property, it would, m the witness's opinion, be possible for him, with the assistance of his man of affairs,- to have made a rearrangement of this will m his condition after the stroke. . ■■ . In reply to Mr. Watsoni the witness admitted that his evidence so far as Sir George Hunter was concerned was based entirely on assumption, If Dr. Steele, as the physician m attendance, and Dr. Giesen, the consultant, said that Sir George's stroke was severe, he would bow to their opinion. After some further questioning of the doctor on technical points, Mr. Gray closed a case which had occupied practically seven days. His Honor asked whether the evidence of Lady Hunter would occupy more than one day, and upon Mr. Watson intimating that this would probably be the case, his Honor suggested that her ladyship might be called after the vacation, to avoid breaking her evidence. Mr. Watson concurred- m this suggestion and agreed to call shorter witnesses to occupy the court during the last day of the. court before the holiday break. Counsel then proceeded with his opening, indicating the vital ; points upon which. his case would rest, but stating that at this stage he did not propose to traverse the evidence at any length. any length. He was still addressing the court when this edition went to •press. •