From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 16 June, 1900. 1d.

SUDDEN DEATH AT WOODNESBOROUGH

A cloud was cast over the rejoicings at this little village on Saturday by the announcement that whilst the proceedings were in progress, a young fellow, named Henry Dilnot Smith, who had taken an active part in the preparation, had died suddenly. Young Dilnot had prepared the costumes in which he was to appear in the procession, and his father, with other members of the family, was to have taken part. On the previous day the deceased was taken ill in his father's workshop, but no fears were entertained as to his recovery, and the news of his death came as a shock to the village in which the family had carried on the business of wheelwrights for may generations. Death was due to peritonitis, but, as will be seen from the evidence adduced at the inquest, the seizure was not regarded as one that was likely to prove fatal.

THE INQUEST

Was held at the "Prince of Wales," Drainless Drive, by Mr. R. M. Mercer, on Monday evening, the jury comprising Messrs. Samuel W. Burbidge (foreman), Ernest Chas. Watson, John Ovenden, Edward Clements, Chas. Rogers, Thomas. Cornes, Frederick. Burr, Wm. Gambrell, William. Dixon, Charles. Sole, Albert Pettman, William. F. Rogers, and John Frederick. Taylor.

The Jury having viewed the body, John Dilnot Smith, wheelwright, the father of the deceased was sworn. he did not know why the doctor had not given a certificate. The deceased was 16 years of age, and was learning the trade, working with witness. he was engaged in the shop, and was apparently all right up to 3.30 on Friday afternoon. he had made no complaints whatsoever. he had been working alone for a few minutes, and when witness' daughter went into the shop about that time she found him leaning across the bench and in great agony. She endeavoured to lead him into the road, and when outside he fell. Witness was close by, and when he arrived on the spot the deceased was on the ground. The young man was unconscious, and witness believed the seizure took place about ten minutes before his daughter's visit to the shop. Witness questioned the deceased as to the cause of the illness, but he could give him no reason, and said he had lifted nothing or done anything to strain himself. Witness then got the assistance of Mr. Deveson, and they gave him some brandy and took him to his home on a barrow, and he was put to bed. His son complained of having severe pains in the stomach, but he remained conscious until the time of his death at 8.45 on Saturday evening. Deceased had only had ordinary plain food, and had never had an illness before. No other member of his family had been seized with the illness.

Harold J. Pickering, surgeon, at present practising at Sandwich, said he was called to the deceased at about 8 o'clock on Friday evening. He saw deceased in bed, and he complained of pain in the abdomen. He did not make an absolute diagnosis, but enquired into the history of the seizure, and localised the pains. He treated the case and ordered medicine with the object of relieving the pain. The pain was very acute, but he could discover no swelling. General swelling began almost immediately after death. He visited him again on Sunday morning, when there were no signs of collapse, but rather an improvement. Witness spoke to the deceased, who said he felt some relief. Deceased had been sick once or twice previously to the first visit, but when witness visited again he did not think his life was in immediate danger. His impression was that the complaint was internal, the primary cause of death being peritonitis caused by ulceration, followed by collapse. There were no signs of foul play whatsoever.

Isabelle Dilnot Smith, sister of deceased, said her brother had only had ordinary plain food, which the rest of the family had partaken of, and no other member had been seized with the illness.

The Coroner, in summing up, described the action of the perforation and its results, and said he occasionally met very similar cases, and he thought it practically impossible for a patient to get over such a seizure. it was generally accompanied by the most fruitful agony. He recommended the Jury to return a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

The Jury gave a verdict accordingly.

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 24 November, 1900. 1d.

SUDDEN DEATH

Yesterday (Friday) morning Mr. T. Taylor, landlord of the "Prince of Wales," Drainless Drive, died very suddenly indeed. He was employed by Mr. Rogers, market gardener, and was at his usual occupation in the morning. He went home to dinner about 11.30, and made a very hearty meal, remarking to his wife how much he enjoyed it.

Very shortly afterwards (about 12.30) he fell from his chair and expired.