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Mary Emily Gadd (1881–1920)

An inquiry touching the death of Mary Emily Gadd, aged 39 years, a former resident of Echuca, who died at the Women's Hospital on October 13, was held by the coroner (Dr. R. H. Cole) at the City Morgue yesterday.

Dr. C. H. Mollison said that, as the result of a post-mortem examination of the body of Mary Gadd, he came to the conclusion that death was due to septicaemia, but he could not say whether there had been any criminal action. Dr McGillicuddy said that on October 11 he was called in to see the woman at the residence of Mrs. Hayes, 47 Lithgow street, Abbotsford. She was apparently well, but later became worse, and when he learned the nature of the case he ordered her removal to the Women's Hospital. Dr. Dale said that the woman was brought to the Women's Hospital in a state of collapse. He informed the police of the case.

Mrs. Catherine Hayes, widow, of 47 Lithgow street, Abbotsford, said that the woman boarded at her house from October 8 to October 13. Gadd became ill and she called in her family doctor.

The coroner returned a verdict that Mary Emily Gadd died from septicaemia, the effects of a certain event, but that there was no evidence to show by what means it was brought about. The case appeared to have a striking resemblance to another case which came before him recently. There was no doubt that it was suspicious.

Original publication

Citation details

'Gadd, Mary Emily (1881–1920)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/gadd-mary-emily-15135/text26329, accessed 19 April 2026.

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Life Summary [details]

Birth

1881

Death

13 October, 1920 (aged ~ 39)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Cause of Death

abortion