YOUNG WOMAN'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 276, 21 November 1928, Page 9

YOUNG WOMAN'S DEATH.

INQUEST AGAIN ADJOURNED.

CROWN SOLICITOR CALLED IN

NEEDS FULLEST INVESTIGATION.'

MAGISTRATE'S DECLARATION

Proceedings at the inquest continued yesterday afternoon before the coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Police Court, touching the death of Miss Freda Helen Clark (29), took an unusual turn and ended abruptly.

Miss Clark died on November 1 at the home of Nurse Georgina Colnett, SS, Williamsons Avenue, Grey Lynn. She was employed prior to her death in the oflSce of the Te Aroha Borough Council.

Chief Detective Hammond appeared for the police, while Mr. R. A. Singer represented Mr. and Mrs. Colnett and also Airs. Doris Dannefeard, sister of deceased, Mrs. Bauer and Mr. Sowerby.

-Mrs. Kathleen Keader, of Buakaka, Tc Aioha, said that Miss Clark resided with iier from June, 1927, until Saturday, October 27, when she left for Auckianc. She told witness that she was going to Auckland to see her sister, Mrs. Danncfeard, who, she said, was ill and was undergoing an operation. Mrs. Reader said she was in Miss Clark's room on November 1 when Constable Barnes took possession of two letters from the drawer of a duchess chest. Witness saw the envelopes and recognised the writing of Mrs. Dannefeard and Mr. Percy Soworu*. "Something Dreadful Has Happened." The next witness was Dr. \Y. 11. Hditon, of Symonds Street. He =aid iu- i<>■ ceived a telephone message about 1 1.10 a.m. on November 1 asking him to i-uii at Mrs. Colnett's house. The voice was that of a man who said, "My wife is eei.ously ill, and I think she is dying. 1 would like you to come at once." In spite of the fact that he had to finish a meeting at his house and that his motoi car was away from the house at the time, witness said he arrived at Mrs. Cohic 's about 11 a.m. 3lr. and Mrs. C'clnu... were both in the hall. The latter said that "something dreadful" had happened. She said that a girl had been there since Saturday and had been in bed all the time. She appeared to be well that morning, but died suddenly when Mrs. Golnett was in the room talking to her. Dr. Horton said he pointeo. out that the matter should be reported to the police and advised that it should l>c reported. About midday Mrs. Colnett informed him that the police had been nrquainted of the young woman's death. Witness afterwards rang the police himself.

Continuing his evidence, Dr. Horton said that before he left the house, Mr. Singer arrived and had a talk with Mrs. Colnett in the dining room. Mr. Hunt: What, before the police arrived? Mr. Singer: Oh, yes, sir. "I Can Tell You Nothing." According to Sergeant Claasen, a telephone message was received at the Xewton station from Mrs. Colnett ai 11.50 a.m. on November 1. Witness proceeded to her house and was shown in by Mr. Colnett. Mrs. Colnett showed witness into a bedroom where he saw the body of Miss Clark. Death appeared to have taken place two or three houre before. As far as the sergeant could see, there were no marks of violence on the bodv.

Magistrate and Counsel Argue. When Mrs. Doris Dannefeard, sister of deceased, went into the box to give evidence, Mr. Singer said that he proposed to ask that this witness should not be asked certain questions. This arose just as Chief Detective Hammond produced a letter and asked Mrs. Dannefeard whether she wrote it to. her sister. "Now, now, now," said Mr. Kunt. "I'm not going to have a witness in the box directed by counsel Mr. Singer: I would like to say Mr. Hunt (to witness): Leave the room. After Mrs. Dannefeard had left the court, Mr. Singer suggested that the object of asking witness certain questions was the prosecution of someone. It might tend,to expose the witness as a party to an offence. "It is your duty sir, as coroner, to warn witnesses that they need not answer certain questions. She must be entitled by law to say, 'You cannot make me begin to incriminate myself, to help forgo a chain of eviMr. Hunt: My interests arc in the public C'ounsel: No, sir, you are coroner and von must warn witnesses.

Mr. Singer quoted several authorities in support of his contention. Mr. Hunt: If the police give this wit nese an indemnity against prosecution what have you to say to that?

"Well, then, if an indemnity is given, 1 would not need to advise her. The danger is over," said Mr. Singer. thief Detective Hammond: Here we have a young woman who comes as a stranger to Auckland from Te Aroha. She is found dead in a house and we cannot get particulars. Before the polico arrive at the house the solicitor is there. The police were not informed until 50 minutes after the doctor was told. The solicitor advises her to adopt a certain course. We don't mind that so much, but it is your Worship's duty as coroner to ascertain what caused this young woman's death. If the witness gives a truthful account of what happened, we'll give her an indemnity. Mr. Singer: lt"s preposterous. What a bargain. Who'* to give that indemnity? Your Worship is not in a position

to do so. Your Worship's duty is to tell this woman that she is. not to answer certain questions. Mr. Hunt: My duty is to determine how deceased met her death. 1 am assured by the police that an indemnity will be granted, and I will tell Mrs. Dannefeard that she will not be prosecuted Mr. Singer: You've got no nght to say that. That's rubbish. Mr. Hunt: I will stand this case down for half an hour. Send for the Crown Solicitor. We will have this done properly. ' Subsequently Mr. Hunt announced that the inquest would be adjourned until 0 o'clock this morning. When the matter came l>efore the coroner this morning at 9 o'clock, Mr. V R. Meredith, Crown Solicitor, requested an adjournment. "I have only just been instructed and am not familiar with the evidence already given and that which is to be given, and I would like an opportunity of going fully into the whole matter," he said. Mr. Hunt adjourned the inquest until Monday next at 2.15 p.m. '"The court is pleased to have your assistance, Mr. Meredith. This case is one which wants the fullest investigation." ■*«* *&• ' «oroaer. „.«...