BACK FROM THE DEAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

BACK FROM THE DEAD.

MAN APPEARS IN COURT. LEGAL RESTORATION TO LIFE. A " dear! " man appeared in person at (ho Liverpool Coroner's Court lately and asked to bo legally brought back to life again. The man, George Porter, middle-aged, of robust appearance, who stated that he was a foreman journeyman coopei, pointed out that the coroner's certificate in regard to the death of Norma Porter referred to him, her father, as deceased. This had been brought to his notice by the company with whom he insured the girl. He had divorced his wife, the mother of Norma Porter, ten years ago. The coroner called into the witnessbox James Barber, an insurance agent, brother-in-law of the girl, who had identified her at tho inquest and said her father was dead. Ho now explained to the coroner that it was his impression that tho man was dead. The Coroner: When you became engaged to this girl's sister did you not make inquiries regarding your prospective father-in-law ? Barber: No. You have been married three and alialf years, and you now know for the first time that your father-in-law is alive ? Barber: Yes. 1 heard it at the funeral, when one of the brothers suggested the father should be notified of the girl's death. Tho Coroner: And then you made no effort to rectify your mistake. The dead girl's mother, who was also called, said she was so upset at tho inquest that she could not recall that her son-in-law said her husband was dead. Tho Coroner: Have you always led your children to believe that their father was dead ?—Yes. And you have led the Court to believe it also ?—Well, he wanted to be dead to me and the children. The coroner intimated that an amended death certificate would be issued.