TWO WOMEN FACE CHARGES OF MANSLAUGHTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 July 1950, Page 3

TWO WOMEN FACE CHARGES OF MANSLAUGHTER

. AUCKLAND, July 3 (P.A.).— Manslaughter charges were made in the Police Court today against two women, Louisa Maria Clark, aged 62, and Margaret Josephine Ryan, aged 34. The police alleged that they unlawfully killed Mrs'Joan Phyllis Jack, aged 26, in a house in Porisonby on the night of April 3. It was said in evidence that Mrs Jack collapsed and died soon after going into the house. Each accused was represented by counsel. z Alton Garner Over, aged 37, married, a retired piano tuner separated from his wife, gave evidence that Mrs Jack, who had been divorced about a year, had been living with him for about 18 months. She was with him all day on April 3. They lunched together and were not affected by what they ate and drank. .

. Mrs Jack wanted to see about some rooms, and with her son and the witrness drove to a house in Ponsonby. Mrs Jack entered the house alone about 7.20 p.m. Soon Mrs Ryan came to the car, calling out: “I think she’s gone.” The witness entered the living room and saw Mrs Jack lying on a settee. Her hands were cold and blue, and she did not answer when he spoke. The witness said that he did not know Mrs Jack was pregnant at the time, but as she was pregnant he must be responsible. ' Dr Walter Gilmour, pathologist, said that he made a post-mortem examination. He thought death was caused by a vagal inhibition as a result of the passage of an instrument into the uterus. Death would be almost instantaneous.

Dr P. P. Lynch, pathologist, of Wellington, said that he agreed with the evidence of Dr Gilmour. Deaths had been recorded from a vagal inhibition. Death occurred with dramatic suddenness from this cause. It was caused by a sudden nerVous impulse. In thi's case there was nothing to suggest the onset of a normal miscarriage. At this stage counsel submitted that a prima facie case had not been established against the accused Ryan. The Magistrate said that the matter needed consideration and adjourned the case against both women until tomorrow.