SUSPICIOUS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16922, 30 July 1915, Page 6

SUSPICIOUS.

A FIRE AND A WOMAN'S DEATH

INDICATIONS OF FOUL PLAY [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, July 29

_ A fire, attended by most suspicious circumstances concerning the death of an old woman named Annette Minnford, occurred in Symonds Strceet this evening about 7.15 o'clock. A passer-by noticed smoke and flames issuing from the house, above the verandah. He immediately rushed to the front door, and fried to open it, but found it was locked. Ho then went round uic side of the house and opened a window, and entered the building. On going through the house he found Mrs Mumford lying unconscious on Kcr back in the sitting-room at the rear of the house. She was carried outside, and it was found that she was considerably injured about the face. She was taken to Dr Casement Aikman's surgery, which is next door, but she expired' almost immedinately. Tho old lady lived practically alone, and was by herself when tho fire broke out." It was subsequently ascertained that hor injuries consisted of a depressed compound fracture over the right eye, which extended along the nose, it is thought that this could havo hardlv "been caused by a fall, and foul play is suspected.