A SUDDEN CALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21386, 14 July 1931, Page 7

A SUDDEN CALL

ELDERLY MAN’S DEATH Charles Ross, a married man, aged 61 years, who resided at 415 Cumberland street, died suddenly yesterday afternoon when about to commence pruning some trees in a section in George street. An inquest on the body wag opened at the Morgue later in the afternoon, Mr H W. Bundle, S.M., sitting as coroner, Sergeant Boulton represented the police. Evidence of identification was given by Ellen Ross, widow of the deceased, who 0 stated that her husband was a gardener by occupation. During the few years he had not enjoyed good health, and he bad been troubled with shortness of breath and giddiness. About a fortnight previously, whilst visiting a neighbour, he had taken a bad turn and had fallen down, and he had, on Saturday last, been very sick and had complained of pains in .his stomach. His condition had not improved on Sunday, and he did not feel well enough to leave his bed. On the day of his death he left for work about 5 ® 5 7.30 a.m. and returned home for dinner at midday, leaving again about half- an' hour later. ■ Witness .had frequently advised the deceased to consult a doctor, but he would never* do this. She had often feared that he might die suddenly. Dr Evans gave evidence of having examined the body of the deceased. It was well nourished and rigor mortis was not present. There were no marks of violence or signs of. injury on the body, but there was marked degeneration of the blood vessels, and from his examination and the history of the case as given by the previous witness, witness was of opinion that death was caused by heart failure following degeneration of the heart muscle. The inquest was adjourned until Friday at 9.30 a.m. to allow the evidence of the deceased’s employer to be called.