Gerald Davidson MacGregor, 1902-25/6/1934.

DEATHS

MACGREGOR. — On June 25, 1934, at Dunedin (result of an accident), Gerald Davidson (Bob), beloved husband of Rita Macgregor, Pine Hill; aged 31 years. — The Funeral will leave the residence of Mr Hastie, Pine Hill, on Tuesday, 26th inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetary. — Hugh Gourley Ltd., undertakers.  -Evening Star, 25/6/1934.

HUNT MEMBER’S DEATH

FATAL JUMPING INJURIES 

The injuries which Gerald Davidson M‘Gregor received when he was bumped off a horse jumping a hurdle at Tahuna Park on Saturday proved fatal, death occurring at the Dunedin Hospital at 1.45 a.m. to-day. 

Deceased was a married man, living at Pine Hill, where he was employed by Mr William Hastie, a farmer. On Saturday he was with the members of the Otago Hunt Club at Tahuna Park. He was riding a horse across a hurdle in company with another horse, which jumped crossways in frout of deceased’s mount. Deceased was bumped off. His foot caught in the stirrup. The horse stopped dead, and as McGregor was being released he rolled underneath the horse, which moved forward, apparently striking his head. Deceased was admitted to the Dunedin Hospital at 3.55 p.m., and did not regain consciousness, death being due to internal haemorrhage. An inquest was held at the hospital this afternoon before Mr H. AY, Bundle, S.M. (coroner).

William Hastie gave evidence of identification. Deceased, who was thirtyone years of age, was a very skilful horseman, and, being a member, always attended the runs of the Hunt Club. On Saturday the ground was too wet for a run, and a meet was held at Tahuna Park, where some jumping took place. Deceased was riding witness’s horse, Rainbow. He knew the horse well, having ridden him often before. He was jumping with another rider (Thomas White) over a hurdle, when White’s horse jumped in front of Rainbow. As deceased fell off, his leg was was caught in a stirrup iron. Mr Binnie, who was looking on, rushed up and released MacGregor’s leg. Deceased fell underneath his horse, which walked over him, apparently striking him on the head with its hoof. Dr Fulton arrived within ten minutes and ordered deceased’s removal to the hospital. The occurrence was a pure accident. 

Thomas Arthur White, an apprentice baker, said he was riding his father’s horse Blackthorn. They were jumping a hurdle the second time when the accident occurred. His horse was half a length in front at the take-off, and he seemed to jump in front of Rainbow. He did his best to straighten the horse, but Rainbow was bumped and MacGregor was bumped off. Blackthorn was a quiet horse. 

Dr Murray Alexander Falconer, a house surgeon at the hospital, said deceased was admitted at 5 p.m. on Saturday. He was attended to by Dr Highet. He was unconscious, suffering from cerebral compression. His condition became worse after an hour, and an operation was carried out by Dr Newlands and witness. The operation disclosed that deceased was bleeding from one of the largest veins inside his skull, and that was controlled before his return to the ward. He gradually sank, and died at 1.50 a.m. The cause of death was intercranial haemorrhage and oedema of the brain. 

A verdict of accidental death was returned.   -Evening Star, 25/6/1934.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.