OPERATION AT SEA

Southland Times, Issue 22994, 14 September 1936, Page 7

OPERATION AT SEA

Master Of The Ma ram a (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) Sydney, September 13. A wireless message was received in Sydney on Friday mght by the Union Company that the master of the Marama, Captain R. M. Kane, had developed acute appendicitis while the vessel was on its way across the Tasman, and an urgent operation was arranged. The message was from the master of the Niagara (Captain W. Martin), who stated that he had received a radio message from the Marama seeking the services of the Niagara’s surgeon to assist in the operation. The Niagara was on her way to the Marama and expected to reach her shortly after midnight (Sydney time). The Marama had changed her course and the vessels were converging.

A wireless message received here last night read: “Captain Kane’s condition satisfactory,” From this it is deduced that Dr Mercer, the Manama’s surgeon had operated on Captain Kane without the assistance of Dr Sweeney, of the Niagara. The Chief Officer (Mr T. E. Bevan), who took over the command of the Marama when Captain Kane became ill, sent a wireless message that owing to a rising sea he was unable to reach the Niagara, and consequently the Marama was heading direct for Wellington at top speed. A COMPLETE SUCCESS PATIENT PROGRESSING WELL. (United Press Association.) Wellington, September 12. The Union Company states that word has been received thas the operation on the master of the Marama was performed by the Manama’s surgeon without the assistance of the Niagara's surgeon. The operation was entirely successful and the patient is progressing satisfactorily.