 In September 1892 he suffered an attack of malaria accompanied by pleurisy, greatly affecting his lungs, and was admitted to Cairns Hospital.He returned to the mission station, and instructed his eldest son, Ernest Gribble, to take charge of the mission while he hopefully recovered in the milder climate of Sydney.In November he visited his old parish at Adelong, and in January 1893 was admitted to the Prince Alfred Hospital, where he was assessed as beyond help, and returned to his residence.