DEATHS.
Baynes - on January 26th, at Timaru Hospital, Florence Mildred, dearly loved wife of Harold Baynes and fifth daughter of Charles and Annie Stephens, 52 Nursery Road, Linwood; aged 24 years. -Press, 28/1/1924.
INQUEST.
DEATH UNDER UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
An inquest concerning the death of Florence Mildred Baynes, a married woman residing at Clandeboye, whose death occurred at the Public Hospital On Friday afternoon, was held before the Coroner (Mr E. D. Mosley) at the Courthouse, Timaru, on Saturday morning.
Harold Arthur Baynes, farmer, residing at Clandeboye, Temuka, stated that the deceased was his late wife, Florence Mildred Baynes, who up till Jan. 24th resided at his home at Clandeboye. Deceased was 24 years of age, and always enjoyed good health until last Wednesday. A fortnight or three weeks previously deceased consulted a doctor but did not inform witness what was wrong. On Wednesday deceased told witness that she fell against a verandah post and hurt herself. She went to bed about 8 p.m. and was unwell during the night. Witness suggested calling in a doctor, but his wife would not allow him to do so. Her condition gradually got worse and at about 2.30 a.m. on Thursday witness telephoned for the doctor who arrived at about 2 a.m. They had two children, the elder aged two years, and another eleven months old. Witness did not know that his wife had had a miscarriage, although he suspected that this had occurred. At about one o’clock on Friday afternoon the doctor ordered his wife’s removal to the hospital.
To the Coroner: They had been married about three years. Witness was not aware that his wife was pregnant, and did not think the deceased knew.
The Coroner: She must have known, otherwise she would not have performed the operation on herself, it seems most extraordinary that a woman under such circumstances should perform an operation on herself. Are you quite sure she did not tell you?
Dr. A. W. Hogg, Temuka, said that he know the deceased. On the morning of the 25th, at about 3a.m. he was called by telephone to the residence of Mr Baynes. On arrival he found deceased in a state of collapse, and suffering from loss of blood. On examination witness found signs of a miscarriage. Deceased stated that she had fallen against the verandah. Her condition at the time would not permit of removal. Witness remained till about 7a.m. She was then stronger but still very weak. He returned again at half-past ten, and found that her strength had improved. She was then removed to hospital. Witness told deceased that she had hud a miscarriage, and she said she had fallen against the verandah. Deceased had called upon him oii the previous Saturday. She was then in absolute good health, being a particularly healthy woman. He suspected that she had performed an operation, and after a great deal of persuasion she informed witness that she had interfered with herself.
Dr. T. L, Parr, medical superintendent at the Timaru Hospital, stated that the deceased was admitted to the hospital on January 25 at. about 1.45 p.m. Witness examined her and found her in a state of severe shock. Deceased showed signs of peritonitis and was bleeding to death. An operation was carried out at 4 p.m. The examination disclosed general peritonitis and a septic condition. The only thing possible to endeavour to save her was done quickly, but she collapsed and died about 4.30 p.m. before the wound was closed. In witness’s opinion the cause of death was sepsis and general peritonitis due to perforation, which must have been caused several days previously with some blunt instrument.
To the Coroner: It was very doubtful from the woman’s state whether she would survive the operation, but it was the only way by which her life might have been saved.
The Coroner said the evidence was sufficient to show the cause of death, and also to enable him to say that there was no blame attachable to the husband.
Death was due to sepsis and general peritonitis caused by some blunt instrument. -Temuka Leader, 29/1/1924.
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