DEATH OF YOUNG WOMAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18189, 7 September 1922, Page 9

DEATH OF YOUNG WOMAN

CRIMINAL CHARGES FOLLOW.

TWO WOMEN IN COURT.

MRS. O'SHAUGHNESSY ON BAIL.

A charge arising from the death of a young married woman in a house situated at 75, The Drive, Epsom, on August 16, was preferred against tile two women living in the house, Martha Jane O'Shauglmessy, aged 56, and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Imrie, aged 29, in the Police Court yesterday, before Mr. J. E. Wilson. S.M.

Accused were each charged with having, on or about August 16, by an omission, without lawful excuse, to perform or observe a legal duty, caused the death of Elsie May Fraidor. Mr. Singer appeared for accused. Detective-Sergeant Hammond represented the police.

Mr. Singer said that by arrangement with the police he would bo one of the sureties for the bail as the younger woman had a young baby to whom ske wished to return. The police would accept his surety until this morning, when he would get bail in the ordinary way. Detective-Sergeant Hammond said he had intended to ask for a remand till September 14,. but in the circumstances a remand till to-day would do. He would then get a remand till September 14. when the police would be prepared to proceed with the case* Accused were accordingly remanded till this morning, being released on their own recognisance of £500 each and one surety each of £500.

The adjourned inquest concerning the death of Mrs. pfaidcr was held by Mr. J. E. Wilson, S.M., on Monday. The evidence ahowed that Mrs. O'Shaughnessy resided with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. David Ircrie, at 75, The Drive, Epsom. Dr. D. N. Abbott said he was called to the house on tho day in question and Mrs. Fraider died 1,5 minutes later. *A postmortem examination showed that the cause of death was hemorrhage following a miscarriage. There was no evidence "to show what caused the miscarriage. Witness was of opinion that if he had been called an hour to an hour and a-half earlier there would have been a good chance of saving the life. Had he been called earlier it would hav6 been a certainty. Mrs. Fraider died from want of medical aicL The verdict returned was that death was due to hemorrhage following a miscarriage. The coroner commented on the fact that the occupants of the house where the death occurred refused to give any evidence of what took place there. He drew attention to the direct opinion expressed by Dr. Abbott that if medical aid had been called earlier the life might or would have been saved. From all the circumstances there was the gravest suspicion that a crime had been committed on this woman, but on the evidence it -was no more than a suspicion. In conclusion tho coroner said there was a grave responsibility on the occupants of the house in j which deceased died. He could say no more than that. j