MUST WARN WITNESS!

Evening Star, Issue 20029, 21 November 1928, Page 11

MUST WARN WITNESS!

COUNSEL AND CORONER A YOUNG WOMAN'S DEATH [Pkii United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, November 20. This afternoon, vrjicu the inquest touching the death of Freda .Helen Clark, aged twenty-nine, who was found dead at the home of Nurso Colnett, Williamson avenue, on November I, was resumed before Air F. K. Hunt, S.M., as coroner, the proceedings took an unusual turn. Tho deceased was employed in tho dices of To Aroha Borough Council. Cliicf-dotcctivo Hammond represented the police, and Air Singer watched Ihc interests of the deceased’s relatives. . When Airs Doris Dannelcard, sister of tho deceased, wont into the box to give evidence Air Singer said ho proposed to ask that this witness should not bo asked certain questions, this arose just as the chief detective produced a letter and asked Airs Danncfeard whether she wrote it to her sister. “Now! Now! Noiv!” said the magistrate. “I’m not going to have a witness in the box directed by counsel.

Air Singer: I would like to say The Coroner (to witness) : Leave the room. After Airs Dannefcard bad Iclt tho court Air Singer suggested that tho object of asking witness certain questions might tend to expose witness as a party to an offence. “It is your duty as coroner to warn witnesses that they need not answer certain questions. She must be entitled by law to say: ‘ You cannot make mo begin to incriminate myself to help to forgo a chain of evidence.’ ” The Coroner; Aly interests are in the public. Counsel: No, sir. “You are coroner, and you must warn witnesses.” Air Singer then quoted several authorities in support of his contention. “ If tho police give this witness an indemnity against prosecution, what have you to say to that?” asked tho coroner.

“ Well, then, if au indemnity is given 1 would not need to advise her. The danger is over,” said Air Singer. Chief-detective Hammond; Hero wo have a young woman who comes as a stranger to Auckland from To Aroha. She is found dead in a house, and we cannot get particulars. Before the police arrive at tho house a solicitor is there. Tho police were not informed until fifty 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 witness gives a truthful account of what happened we’ll give her an indemnity. _ Afr Singer: It’s preposterous. Who is lo 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.

The Coroner: Aly duty is to determine how the deceased met her death. 1 am assured by tlio police that an indemnity will ho granted, and ! will toll Airs Dannefcard that she will not bo prosecuted All' Singer; You’ve got no right to say that. That’s rubbish ! The Coroner: I will stand this case down for. half an hour. Send for tho Crown Solicitor. We shall have this done properly. Subsequently the coroner announced that tho inquest would bo adjourned until 9 o’clock to-morrow morning.