DEATH OF WOMAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 194, 17 July 1937, Page 10

DEATH OF WOMAN.

INQUEST AT AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 16. ‘‘lnquiries hnve been continued to date, but we have not been able to connect any person with causing the girl’s death,” said Detective Murcli at the conclusion of an inquest into the deatli of a young woman, aged 22, who had been employed as a cashier. The Coroner, Mr F. K. Hunt, returned a verdict that death occurred in the Auckland Hospital on Alav 16 as • a result of septic abortion. AVhen the inquest was resumed today’ evidence was given by a chemist, Leslie Ward Mackie, and his wife, Yvonne Mackie. Both refused to answer certain questions on the grounds of possible incrimination. Their interests were watched by Mr M. Robinson, while Detective-Sergeant Walsh appeared for the police. At the opening of the hearing earlier in the week, Dr. Gihnour. pathologist at the Auckland Hospital, had expressed tlie opinion that was caused through an operation. Yvonne Mackie was the first witness called to day. Detective-Sergeant "Walsh: W here is vour husband in business?

Witness: I refuse to answer. Detective-Sergeant Walsh: Why do you refuse to answer?—Because it may incriminate me. Did you know a girl named Miss tion. Why, witness? —Because it might incriminate me.

On Alav 19 Detective Alurcli saw von at your home and told you he had information that Aliss , who died in the hospital on tho previous Saturday, had been an inmate in your house five’ weeks before. Do you agree with that?

The witness declined to answer. The witness said she did not remember Detective Murcli telling her that a man had telephoned on two or three occasions about a girl’s condition. She refused to answer whether she told the detective that if any illegal operations took place at her house she had nothing to do with them and whether she had told the detective that her husband sent girls to the house and that whatever fie did to them was none of her business. Detective-Sergeant Walsh: Did you tell Detective Murcli that girls had been to your house and you had looked after them and cooked for thorn? Witness: I refuse to answer.

Leslie Ward Mackic, aged 40, said he qualified as a chemist in Auckland at the age of 22. He had no shop or place of business. He refused to answer on the grounds that it might incriminate him whether he was employed by any chemist at the present time. He also refused to answer a question when he had last scon the girl depicted in a photograph produced. Detective-Sergeant Walsh: Did the deceased visit you house by appointment in April?—l refuse to answer. You know this girl died at the public hospital?—l do not know. The Coroner: But you have heard it? —-Yes. Replying to the Coroner, witness said he had never been known as “Dr. Alackie.” He said he had never seen a letter dated May 17, addressed “Dear Les,” which Detective-Sergeant Walsh stated had been found in the house. The letter read to the Court referred to the condition of a girl. The Coroner: How do you' earn a living?—l refuse to answer that. Detective March gave evidence that lie visited the house on May 19. Mrs Mackie told him she was dominated by her husband and was not allowed to question anything he did. In a search of the house the police had been unable to find any evidence relating to the death of deceased. Tn Airs Mackie s hand hag was found a letter already produced. Mrs Mackie said a girl had brought it to the house that day. and she was going to give it to her hu’sband. The Coroner returned a finding that the cause of death was septic abortion.