Desmond Douglas Allred, (1910-20/12/1922). "due to hydatid disease"

SUDDEN DEATH.

SAD AFFAIR AT METHVEN

A very distressing case of sudden death occurred at Methven last evening, the victim being Desmond Allred, the nine-year-old son of Mr and Mrs A. Allred, well known business people of Methven. The appeared to be in his usual good health yesterday and did not complain of being unwell. Shortly after going to bed, however, he complained of sickness, which was accompanied by vomiting. Medical assistance was sought, but the little fellow died before the arrival, of the doctor.

An inquest will be held at Methven this evening.  -Ashburton Guardian, 21/12/1922.

ACCIDENTS & DEATHS

INQUEST AT METHVEN. 

The verdict returned at Methven yesterday concerning death of Desmond Douglas Allred, who died rather suddenly on Wednesday night, was that death was due to hydatid disease of the heart. The deceased was the son of Arthur Allred, wheelwright, of Methven.

The inquest was conducted by the Coroner (Mr J. Cow), senior-sergeant Jackson representing the police. The deceased was 12 years of age, and, according to the evidence of his father, his usual health had been good. At no time had he complained.

Dr. W. H. D. McKee, of Methven, stated that the deceased died two minutes after his arrival, about 11 o’clock. When he arrived the boy was moribund. The doctor was unable to certify to death. The post mortem examination disclosed a large hydatid cyst in the heart. There were secondary and smaller hydatid deposits on the left lung. His other organs were healthy, except for the appendix, which showed chronic inflammation. Death was due to hydatid disease on the heart.

The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence, the Coroner expressing sympathy on behalf of himself And the district with deceased’s parents.   -Ashburton Guardian, 22/12/1922.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

METHVEN. 

The annual distribution of prizes at the Methven Public School took place on Friday evening in the Public Hall, which was crowded. Dr. W. H. McKee, chairman of the committee, presided, and referred in very feeling terms to the sudden death of Master Desmond Douglas Allred, one of the senior; pupils of the school. As a mark of respect all stood in silence for a few moments.  -Press, 26/12/1922.

Methven Cemetery.