CLAVERLEY CASE

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 November 1939, Page 2

CLAVERLEY CASE

INQUEST AND VERDICT.

[PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, November 20. The final stage of the investigation into the death of Mrs. Harriet Jane Patience took place this morning, when an inquest was held. The Coroner (Mr. W. A. Nelson) returned, a verdict “in accordance with the medical evidence. Harriet Jane Patience met bed death at Claverley on October 4, 1938, as the result of grave injuries inflicted on her by her husband. Arthur John Patience.”

Patience, a public works employee, aged about 48, lived with his wife, who was some twelve years older, at Claverley camp. On October 4 she disappeared, and was not found, in spite of an intensive search. On July 20 of this year, her body was found on the beach at Taratuhi, four miles from Claverley. Patience was subsequently charged with the murder of his wife, and, on October <ll, the jury found him guilts’-, but made a strong recommendation for mercy. Mr. Justice Northcroft sentenced Patience to death, but an application for reprieve is now awaiting consideration by the Executive Council. Counsel for Patience (Mr. R. A. Young) said it was not possible to exclude cerebral trouble, or shock following exposure, as the cause of death. The doctors had not been able to ascertain exactly what caused death. A proper verdict would be that Mrs. Patience died about October 4.

Chief Detective Dunlop held that the Coroner was bound by the evidence, and the verdict was then returned, as stated.