WOMAN’S DEATH
TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES
An inquest was held yesterday morning Into the death of Mrs Betty Swan Gray, married, aged 25 years, who died on July 24 while having her teeth extracted. Dr E. F. D’Ath, pathologist at the Public Hospital, said that it was a most unusual case, and the consequences could not possibly have been foreseen. In his opinion the deceased had died from inhibition of the heart due to unusual susceptibility of the nervous control of the heart muscle. This condition was sometimes known as status lymphaticus. The small swab which had been found in the throat haa not in any way caused, asphyxia:
Robert Stuart Smart, dental surgeon, said that from the commencement of the extractions the deceased’s breathing had been shallow. The usual 11 grains of rembutal, with nitrous oxide, had been administered previously. The extractions had been done very carefully, as they were difficult, and just as the last tooth was about to be removed the deceased’s breathing stopped. Several attempts at resuscitation failed, and at length the St. John Ambulance was summoned and oxygen was administered, with no avail. So far as he was aware the deceased had made no complaints about her general health.
A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., who was sitting as coroner.
The husband of the deceased, Mr Arthur Wilson Gray, is at present serving in Italy. The coroner expressed his sympathy with the husband and relatives, saying that he was quite convinced that all possible care and attention had been taken. -Otago Daily Times, 1/8/1944.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH
GUNNER ARTHUR W. GRAY
The death occurred on November 8 as the result of an accident while on active service of Gunner Arthur Wilson Gray. There are particularly tragic circumstances surrounding his death, as he was returning home on compassionate leave in order to arrange his private affairs following the accidental death of his wife In July.
Gunner Gray was educated at John McGlashan College, where he was a member of the first fifteen and the first eleven, and was a prefect. He later studied accountancy at the Otago University, graduating B.Com. in 1935. He took an active part in the sporting and debating activities of the University, and was a member of the executive of the Students’ Association. Gunner Gray received his early business training with Messrs W. E. C. Reid and Co., and was subsequently secretary to Messrs Andrew Lees, Ltd. He was highly respected by the business community, whom he was beginning to serve on trade organisations when he entered the army. Gunner Gray was prominent as one of the younger members of First Church, being an officebearer and a Sunday school teacher. He proved a great friend to the younger folk, whom he escorted on many tramping excursions, helping them to develop a love for healthy outdoor recreation. He leaves a son, aged three years and a-half. -Otago Daily Times, 14/11/1944.
FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE
GRAY. — Died on active service, as result of accident, November 8, 1944, 534478 Gunner Arthur Wilson Gray, husband of the late Betty Gray, beloved youngest son of Mr and Mrs George Gray, Warrington, and father of Brian; aged 34 years. -Otago Daily Times, 14/11/1944.
Although Arthur Gray died on active service, he was not killed in action. He seems to have been one of the victims of a train crash at Haifa, Israel. A section of rail was washed out by a cloudburst and seven people were killed, with forty injured.
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