PROCEEDINGS AT INQUEST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 304, 21 November 1928, Page 11

PROCEEDINGS AT INQUEST.

AN UNUSUAL TURN. Per Press Association. ' AUCKLAND, Nov. 20. This afternoon when the inquest concerning the death of Freda Helen Clark (aged 29), who was found dead at the home of Nurse Colnett, of Williamson Avenue, on November 1, was resumed before Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., as Coroner, the proceedings took an unusual turn. Deceased was employed in the office of tho Te Aroha Borough Council. Chief Detective Hammond represented the police, while Mr Singer watched the interests of deceased’s relatives. When Mrs Doris Dannefeard, sister of deceased, went into the box to givo evidence Mr Singer said he proposed to ask that this witness should not be asked certain questions. This arose as the Chief Detective produced a letter and asked Mrs Dannefeard whether she wrote to her sister.

“Now, now, now,” said the Magistrate. “I’m not going to have witness in tho box directed by counsel.” Mr Singer: I would like to say Tho Coroner (to witness): Leave tho room! After Mrs Dannefeard had left the Court Mr Singer suggested that tho object of asking witness certain questions was the prosecution of someone, and it might tend to expose the witness as a party to an offence. “It is your duty as Coroner to warn witnesses that they need not answer certain questions. She must be entitled by law to'say: ‘You cannot make me begin to incriminate myself—to help forge a chain of evidence.’ ” The Coroner: My interests are in the public. Counsel: No, sir. You are Coroner.

and you must warn witnesses. Mr Singer then quoted several authorities in support of his contention. “If tho police give this witness an indemnity against prosecution what havo you to say to that?” said the Coroner. 5

“Well then, if an indemnity is given I would not need to advise her. The danger is over,” said Mr Singer. Chief Detective Hammond: Hero we have a young woman who comes a stranger to Auckland from Te Aroha. She is found dead in a house and we cannot get particulars. Beforo tho police arrive at the house a solicitor is there. The polico were not informed until 50 minutes after the doctor was told. The solicitor advises her to adopt a certain course. We don’t mind that so much, but it is Your Worship's duty as Coroner to ascertain what caused this young woman’s death. If the witness gives a truthful account of what happened we will give her an indemnity. Mr Singer: It’s perposterous. Who’s to give that indemnity? Your Worship is not in a position to do so. Your Worship’s duty is to tell this woman that sho is not to answer certain questions. . .

The Coroner: My duty is to determine how deceased met her death. I am assured by the police that an indemnity will bo granted .and I will tell Mrs Dannefeard that she will not bo prosecuted. Mr Singer: You’vo got no right to say that. That’s,;; bbishl • • • , The Coroner: I v il stand this case down for half an ‘ our. Send for the Crown Solicitor, nd we will have this done properly. . Subsequently the Coroner announced that the inquest would be adjourned until nine o’clock to-morrow , morning.