THE PALMERSTON TRAGEDY

Evening Star, Issue 17316, 1 April 1920, Page 9

THE PALMERSTON TRAGEDY

EMPTY RAZOR CASE CLUE. VERDICT OF MURDER. The adjourned inquest concerning the death of_ Mary Ethcline Webby, who was found with her throat cut on the morning of March 18 in a lane between Rnahine and Fitjjvoy streets, Palmerston North, was concluded yesterday morning.. Evidence > given by Constable Hooker and Detecrtive-sergeants Quirke and Gate showed that the body was lying on the right side, with the left arm across it. One hand was holding a handbag, and a bottle of ale (unopened) was lying at the leet. Tile bottom half of a razor case was found lying close to the body, but there was no sign o f a razor or other instrument that could have caused the wound in the throat. There was no sign of violence except the injury to the throat-. A search had been made for Harry Deeley, who has not- been teen, since ho was observed in deceased’s company on the evening of March 17. The evidence given by George Frederick Deeley, brother of Harry Deeley, showed that the portion of the razor case found was the property of hi; brother, and that it had the name of Edmonds on it. Francis Edmcnds, brother-in-law of Harry Deeley, deposed to taking the razor to get it set for Deeley, and giving his name as Edmonds to the girl in the shop. The jury returned a verdict that Marv Etheline Webby was murdered by having her throat cut by some person or persons unknown on the evening of March 17, at Palmerston North.