MARRIED WOMAN'S DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20976, 12 September 1931, Page 12

MARRIED WOMAN'S DEATH.

FRACTURE OF THE SKULL. VERDICT AT THE INQUEST. A verdict that the death of Ellen Gower, aged 19, married, of 142, Parnell Road, was due to a fracture of the skull accidentally received on July 6 was returned by the coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt. S.M., at an inquest yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Gower was admitted to the Auck land Hospital on August 30 and died the following day without regaining consciousness. Dr. W. Gilmour, pathologist at the hospital, who conducted a post mortem examination, said the deceased had been suffering from a fracture of the skull, which had the appearance of not being a recent injury. Evidence was given by Edwin Gower, husband of the deceased, that he found his wife lying on the floor of the kitchen on Augusj 30 She later lost consciousness and was removed to the hospital. On July 6, witness said, he was engaged in an argument with a brother-in-law, Patrick Hughes, end was pushed on the floor. His wife had gone to his assistance, but he did not see Hughes strike the deceased.

The dispute was described by Miss A. O'Leary. who said she had not seen Mrs. Gower struck by Hughes. Witness had noticed Mrs Gower rising from the floor and she then had a cut on the side of the head which may have been caused by a comb which she wore. Patrick Hughes said lie had pushed Gower in the course of the argument, but he had riot struck Mrs. Gower or caused her to fall. The coroner found that the cause of death was accidental.