Doors Barred and Windows Nailed

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 265, 7 November 1941, Page 3

Doors Barred and Windows Nailed

DEATH OF WEALTHY WIDOW Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 5. Evidence that tho door of her room had been found heavily barred and that the windows had been nailed down was given at the inquest held in Wellington this afternoon into the death of Mrs. Alice Merry, aged 83, who was found dead in bed at 72 Cambridge Terrace on October 22 after the police had forced an entrance. It was stated that on the previous occasion when she had not been seen for a week the police had been called only to find that Airs. Alcrry was very much annoyed at their intrusion.

Air. W. G. L. Alellish (Coroner) presided and Sergeant J. Alartin represented the police. Airs. Alary Cecilia Stedman said that she had known Mrs. Alerry for seven years and had occupied rooms in her house. Mrs. Alerry lived in the front room which had a separate entrance. She was peculiar in her habits and ways. Witness knew that Airs. Alerry had a considerable amount of money and property, but Airs. Alerry always said that she was poor and could not afford repairs to the house. She had suffered from asthma and witness had asked her on occasions to get a doctor, but Airs. Alerry had replied that she would not have a doctor anywhere near her. Witness did not see Airs. Alerry after October 19 which was a Sunday, but on tho following Wednesday became suspicious and with her husband knocked on the door. Receiving no I response they notified the police. Two ! constables broke in the door and found Mrs. Alerry dead.

Ivo Stedman, a taxidriver, husband of the last witness, said that from what he knew of Mrs. Merry she always had the windows nailed down. They were barred from the inside when sue was at home. He knew tnat she had a lot of money but did not know where she kept it and had no idea that-a large amount was in her room. On a former occasion when Mrs. Alerry nad been ill she was not seen for days on end. Once she was not seen for a week and the police were notilied. They called and received no answ r er. They damaged the door in endeavouring to force it. Then Airs. Merry opened it from the inside, making a great fuss about the damago which had been done.

Constable George A. Alorley said that he had knocked at Airs. Merry’s door, but there was no answer. He removed a small pane of glass and saw Mrs. Merry lying motionless huddled up on the bed. With Constable Rolls he forced the door which was heavily barred both at the top and bottom. In addition to a box locn. Airs. Merry was found to have been dead for some time. She was fully dressed and had two coats over her body. A search was made and under the bedclothes was found a black cloth bag containing notes in denominations from £IOO to 10s. Another large bundle was found in an old coat ‘and a few pounds in silver on the piano. Tho total when counted at the police station was £26,013, in addition there was a Post Office Savings Bank book with a credit of £514 9s 6d besides a large quantity of debentures, shares, mortgages and title deeds.

Dr. P. P. Lynch, pathologist, said there were indications that Mrs. Merry had suffered from chronic bronchitis. She had been overcome by illness and death had occurred quite quickly from heart failure. She probably died on the last day on which she was seen alive.

Tho coroner said he had no doubt in finding that death occurred cn Sunday, October 19, 1941, from heart failure at 72 Cambridge Terrace. He returned a verdict to that effect.