INQUEST IS HELD ON MR W. HILL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18009, 20 November 1926, Page 2

INQUEST IS HELD ON MR W. HILL

DOCTOR GIVES DETAILS OF INJURIES SUFFERED. An inquest into the death of Mr Walter Hill was held to-day by Mr H. A. Young. Coroner. Dr J. P. Whetter said that when he Saw Mr Hill, he found a small wound at the back of the head. Mr Hill said that he had fallen and had 6truck hi* head on the edge of a step. He said that he did not think it was much, as a cigarette he had been smoking did not leave his mouth and he had walked a short distance immediately afteT. Witness told Mr Hill that he had better rest, but he said that he felt perfectly well. He went to bed immediately after lunch. Witness saw him again at 8 p.m., and next morning. • when he was not so well, and witness could not easily make out what he said, as he rambled in his speech. Witness called in Dr Acland. They decided that Mr Hill had injured his brain, and that he had fractured the base of his skull. His condition remained the same for two days, when a convulsion set in. Drs Acland, Newton and Wales saw him in consultation, and while not being sure that an operation would benefit, they thought it would be advisable to operate to relieve any pressure. Mr Hill was operated on that night, November 16 There was no evidence of any clot on the brain, but there was haemorrhage from some vessel that could not be located. Mr Hill remained unconscious after the operation and died at 1.30 am. on November 17. The cause of death was cortical haemorrhage and laceration of the brain, probably associated with fracture. His condition was consistent with a statement that he fell in the way described. In witness’s opinion, that fall was the direct cause of his death.

James Murphy, manufacturer, said that he saw Mr I-lill lying on the steps. Witness went down from the grandstand. Mr Hill evidently was going down, as his feet were on the ground and his head was on the steps. With the help of Mr L. Partridge, witness got Mr Hill on to his feet. There was a red patch at the back of his head, about the size of an egg. He said that he would be all right in a few minutes, but that he was slightly shaken It was suggested that he should be taken into the stewards’ stand. He sa:d that he did not think it was necessary but finally went there. He said that his heel caught on the step and he slipped. Witness left to go lo look for a doctor. He could not find one. When he returned to the stewards’ stand, Mr Hill had left. The coroner returned a verdict that death was due to injuries received in an accident, through which Mr Hills head struck concrete steps.

The coroner added. "Mr Hill had been a Justice of the Peace for many years, and. as such, rendered very valuable public services. This Court sympathises with his widow and family.”