THE KAIMATA TRAGEDY.

Northern Advocate, 22 August 1913, Page 5

THE KAIMATA TRAGEDY.

CLOSE OF THE INQUEST

THE CORONER'S VERDICT,

<By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

INGLEWOOD, Aug. 22

The inquest on the victims of the recent tragedy was continued yesterdajw * Dorothy Julian, the girl who escaped from the burning building, corroborated the statements of her brother. She said she and her sister were awakened by the door striking the bed. Virgin was looking at them. Gladys said, " What do you want, dad?" Virgin then started hitting her on the head with a piece of wood. She was quite certain in her identification of Virgin, who seemed to be excited when in her room. Dorothy then described her escape and flights, as previously reported. The coroner returned the following verdict: — 1. That Edward Julian, Gladys Julian, and Prank Smith were murdered at i a.m. on August 14; 2. There is not sufficient evidence whether they died from the effects of blows or whether they were burnt while unconscious. 3. That the blows were administered by Frederick John Virgin, and the evidence indicates that he wilfully set fire to the house; 4. The evidence tends to show that Virgin suddenly lost his reason through worry and want of sleep.