The Age (Queanbeyan) 8 Aug 1905
OBITUARY. DEATH has been busy in our little community during the past week. In the immediate vicinity of Queanbeyan the grim tyrant has claimed three victims — an aged granddame, a mother in her prime, and a young man cut off in the bloom of of his manhood. The passing away in the ripeness of her years of the late Mrs. Wall of Tug granong was noticed in our last issue; the death, after a brief illness, of Mrs. Isaac Harrison, of the same locality, was chronicled in the previous issue of the AGE; and now it becomes our sorrowful duty to record the DEMISE OF MR. VINCENT J. HUDSON. It has been generally known for some months past that the family of Mr J. H. Hudson of this town has been under the shadow of a serious domestic affliction in the protracted illness of the second son of the family, Mr. Vincent John Hudson. Though not altogether confined to the house, when he had been seen abroad his wan features unmistakably indicated something radically wrong in his constitution. From his youth up until comparatively recently, " Vinnie" as he was familiarly called, gave evidence of vigorous intellect, exemplary deportment, and robust health. Then came rumours of indisposition, necessitating medical treatment. His professional attendant, Dr. Richardson, diagnosed his ailment as that fell disorder known as Bright's disease of the kidneys. The discovery was confirmed by an eminent Sydney medical man, to whom also the patient was taken for consultation and treatment. On his return home after this confirmation of Dr. Richardson's diagnosis, the patient gradually weakened as the disease, alleviated in some degree — for medical science at its best can do no more in the circumstances than allay the sufferings of a patient — developed in its course, everywhere, and by everyone who knew of the young man's affliction, the deepest sympathy was felt for him and the afflicted family. The family doctor, as well as the eminent Sydney adviser, held out no hope. Bright's disease has always baffled the medical profession of all Europe. All that could be done was to make the sufferer's passage to the grave as easy as possible. Eventually the despairing family, grasping at the last shred of hope, accepted an overture from a man who had recently set himself up in Queanbeyan as a medical herbalist, advertising himself as Delph Sing, Indian doctor, etc. This man undertook to make a perfect cure of the patient, and in that belief the sufferer was placed under his care and treatment. Hope revived; the dropsical swellings which were one result of the complaint, were reduced, and the patient himself, as well as friends, took the signs as those of a conquest over the disease, and of a speedy return to health. Delph Sing himself took his departure for Sydney in that belief. But on Saturday morning last, at about one o'clock with his father by his bedside, young "Vinnie" contrary to all expectations, and without any premonitory symptoms, suddenly expired. The fondly-cherished hope begotten of Delph Sing's assurances vanished, and "Vinnie's" lifeless form confirmed the opinions arrived at by the legally-qualified medical men who had had his case in their hands. Under the circumstances, as he had not seen the deceased since Delph Sing took his case in hand, Dr. Richardson refused to give the necessary certificate as to the cause of death, and thereupon the police reported the matter to the Coroner. That official after due consideration of the case, came to the conclusion that the circumstances of the death called for an investigation. He therefore issued his summons for the appearance of Delph Sing at a Coroner's Court to be held at Queanbeyan on Thursday next, at which that individual, and other witnesses will be examined in order to arrive at a finding. The inquest was formally initiated on Saturday morning last, when after the viewing of the body, the Coroner issued his order for its interment. The deceased young man was only 23 years of age and a general favourite with all who knew him. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, the remains being encased in a polished silver-mounted coffin and conveyed to the Church of England and from thence to the cemetery. Many beautiful wreaths were laid on the grave. The funeral arragements were carried out by Mr. H. Lazarus. We extend our sympathy to the bereaved relatives. |