BATH CUSTODIAN’S DEATH

Evening Star, Issue 21621, 17 January 1934, Page 2

BATH CUSTODIAN’S DEATH

A WOMAN'SACCUSATION [Per .United .Press Association.] I HAWERA. January 16. A verdict that John James- Dowdle, a wed forty-nine, committed suicide by drowning in the Hawera public baths i “ subsequent, to an accusation being I made against him of a criminal offence ” was returned by the coroner, Mr R. S. Sage.--to-day. The fullyclothed bodv of the deceased, who had been custodian of. the baths for thirteen years,; was found by his two sons at the deep end of the pool on the night :of December'3o. A married,', woman, who was one of the principal witnesses at the inquest, said she called at Dowdle’s home early on the evening of the tragedy and accused ' him of; having performed an illegal operation on one of her daughters. Witness gave him a week to get out'. ,' - Replying to the coroner, witness said she ' realised subsequently that her threats' had caused Dowdle to take his life. Witness said she learned of the alleged operation through ’ a younger daughter. , Witness had not discussed I the matter with the girl concerned, but had "gone to'the councillors who controlled the baths and to Dowdle. The elder girl admitted in evidence having visited the baths. Her refusal to answer a number of questions asked bv the police on the grounds that by doing so she might incriminate herself was upheld by the coroner. The deceased’s widow in evidence said she was told by the deceased of the 'woman’s', accusation, which he denied. Her,luisband did not seem to be worried over the matter. Witness identified as her husband’s writing an unsigned note stating “ good-bye,” which was found by the police in the office at the baths.