At an inquest on Margaret Wickham, who died at the Christchurch Hospital on 13th April whilst an anaesthetic was being administered, it was stated that deceased had suffered from pleurisy. On 20th March she was operated upon for the removal of part of a rib, and during the present week a second operation was decided on in order to remove one or two more ribs.

Chloroform was administered, as ether could not be used owing to the deceased’s chest trouble. The house surgeon had only commenced to administer the anaesthetic when deceased began to struggle violently. He stopped administering, and reassured the patient. On resuming the administration of the anaesthetic she again struggled and commenced to cough. Her pulse was very feeble, and stopped almost immediately, together with the breathing. Every effort was made for nearly an hour in induce respiration. Deceased took the anaesthetic very badly on the first occasion, but the only chance lay in performing the second operation. The post-mortem examination had revealed that the heart was in a healthy condition.

A verdict was returned in accordance with evidence, and the jury expressed the opinion that every precaution had been taken.