NORTH OTAGO NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23094, 21 October 1938, Page 2

NORTH OTAGO NOTES

[Fun.M Ouu Oamaro ConucsroxDEXT.] YOUNG WOMAN’S SUICIDE. “ Unfortunately, the deceased got mixed tip with certain people who were not of any heip to her,” commented the coroner (Mr A. W. Woodward, J.P.) at the inquest yesterday, when lie returned a verdict that Olga Claire Fraser, aged 23, died at Oaniarn on September 20 from the effects of poison, self administered. ■' I object to that," said Mrs Emma Fraser, mother of Iho young woman. " I am not saying anything against Miss Fraser, but the circumstances leading to her death.” said the Coroner. Jack Llewellyn Poyner. farm labourer, Five Forks, gave evidence that lie had been engaged to deceased, and bad taken her to the Excelsior ball on September 19. At 9.45 p.m. Miss Fraser, Miss ‘‘ Bunny ” Symon, Gilbert Henderson, John Cutbbert Mansell and witness visited the Georgetown Hotel, where deceased drank three whiskies and one “ whipcaker. ” The party brought back six bottles of beer. They drove to Eraser’s homo, where witness, when lie attempted to enter the kitchenette, where he saw Miss Eraser at the sink, was told by her to keep out. Later, they drove to the pio cart. On the way deceased said she had taken a certain acid, and felt sick, so witness drove her home. There she collapsed, and witness called Dr Orbcll, but deceased had died before the doctor arrived. Deceased had not told him why she intended to take her life. Mrs Emma Fraser corroborated the evidence as to what had happened at her house.

Dulcio Symon gavo evidence of a statement by deceased on the previous night that sho ivas going to finish everything; and Lottie Iris Stamford', who worked in the same shop as deceased, said deceased had threatened to do away with herself. Evidence was also given by Constables Finney, Miller, and Thyne, and the Government analyst's report was produced, the coroner then returning the verdict as above. HEDGE FIRE. Yesterday afternoon the Oamaru Fire Brigade was called out to extinguish a hedge fire at the residence of Mrs G. Livingstone, Humber street. The northern part of the big hedge was destroyed. PLUNKET SOCIETY, At a mothers’ afternoon, held by the Oamaru Plunket Society, Miss Rita Hill’s kindergarten class gavo action songs, and other items were given by Miss Ngaire Domigan, Miss Floris Bail’d, and Miss Joan Beattie. Miss Jean Miller played the accompaniments. Winners of competitions were Mcsdamcs Cook, Macpherson, Lambert, and Stagg. ELECTION RECOUNT. The official recount of the votes cast in the Oamaru electorate was begun today. There are also about 500 absentee and 300 postal votes to ho counted. SEVERN STREET FATALITY. At an inquest yesterday the coroner (Mr A. W. Woodward) returned a verdict that Victor Chittock died on Juno 4, 1938, from injuries received through colliding with a motor car driven by Charles Herbert Dobson, while deceased was riding his motor cycle dowjj Severn street.