DEATH IN A LAVATORY.

Grey River Argus, 16 May 1912, Page 6

DEATH IN A LAVATORY.

SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS MRS GOSCOMB'S HUSBAND CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER (Per Press Asso< iation.) CHRISTOHURCH, May 15 At the inquest on Helen Goscomb, a married woman, aged 38 years, who died in a lavatorj- on Sunday night, Dr Irving saM that there were methylated spirits in the stomach. The organs were dn a degenerate condition. There was a made of a blow on the chin. The blow might have been sufficient to cause death. 'Frank Goscomb, her husband, said that he had been droiking methylated spirits with hjis wife because it was cheap. He quarrelled wioh her on Sunday but did not' strike. Ho found her on Monday in the lavatory dead. Detective iGibson said he found the Body on the floor wedged firmly between the walls. The Magistrate (Mr W. H. Bishop) said that the sole of methylated spirits should be stopped "because of "the prevalent use of it as a drink. . The invuest was adjourned. The inquest on the death of H eien Gascomb subsequently developed sensationally, the woman's husband bciiag charged with manslaughter. The evidence showed that Gascomb and his wife were continually drinking and quarrelling and on Sunday at .midday, Gascomb hit his wife a severe blow on the chin. The woman's body was subsequently found iin an out house. The Coroner returned a verdict that the woman died of heart failure induced by a blow inflicted by Frank Gascomb. The latter was then formally charge ed wrth tjhe manslaughiter/' and remanded 'to May 23. ; CHRISTCHURCH, May" 15 , At' the adjourned inquest touching the death of the woman Helen. Gascomb, whose dead body was found in an outhouse at her residence at ;W66ls oti on Monda. after the hearing of ithe evidence and the returning of a verdict of manslaughter against the husband, Detective Gibsoii formally charged Gascoimb and arrested' him. Accused made no statement. l\t 'the request of the Chief Detective he was remanded untvl Wednesday. r . '■•'■ .