A STRANGE AFFAIR

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11045, 31 October 1921, Page 5

A STRANGE AFFAIR

YOUNG WOMAN’S DEATH UNUSUAL EVIDENCE AT CORONER’S INQUEST. “LIED TO SHIELD DEAD GIRL.” CHRISTCHURCH, October 29. Evidence of an unusual nature was adduced at the adjourned inquest on Agnes Cook, a young woman twentyfour years of age, who died at tho Christchurch Hospital early in the prevent month, under circumstances necessitating the intervention of the police. OPERATION FOR CURETTING PURPOSES. It had previously been elicited that deceased, a cook at the Christchurch Club for some time before her death, was an Englishwoman, and came to New Zealand, by the s.s. Pakeha early this year. About five Weeks ago she nuked for leave, saying that her brother was ill in the North Island She was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital on October Bth suffering from septicaemia. Dr Temple reported having twice operated on her for curetting purposes. The inquest was opened on October 11th, and resumed on October 19th and 20th and on Friday. Mr C. S. Thomas appeared on behalf of Dr Temple. The inquest was conducted by DetectiveSergeant Gibson. Mr M. J. Gresson appeared for Nurse Barson. THE DETECTIVE’S EVIDENCE. Detective-Sergeant Quartermnin, stationed at Christchurch, said that Dr Temple made a statement regarding Agnes Cook’s death, of which he took notes in lead pencil. ; It was typed, and taken next morning to the doctor for signature. He studied it sentence by sentence. He made an alteration in his own handwriting and added to it. He then signed it and handed it to witness, who produced it. The statement set out that the young woman complained of abdominal pains, and he found her to be pregnant. In consultation with Dr Bates he decided to perform a curetting operation. This was done, hut as her condition proved unsatisfactory subsequently the operation was repeated. He became satisfied that she was suffering from septicaemia, and, after consulting with Dr Morkane. sent her to the Christchurch Hospital. AN UNTRUE STATEMENT. After Dr Temple had signed the statement, witness said: “I have reason to believe, doctor, that your statement as to when you saw this girl is untrue. 1 have reason to believe that you sent her to Mrs Barson’s on September 24th, and that prior to that you prescribed for her.” After some hesitation, he said “That is true.” Witness asked why he told lies, and he said he had lied to shield the dead girl. Witness then got a further statement. to the effect of his admission. The woman, he said, first stated that the was a married woman named Mrs West, and that her husband was on a Home boat. Before signing the statement, Dr Temple said to witness and another detective, “Will you be a friend to me if I confide in youP”, He was told they Were police officers, and all they wanted, waa the truth. From his surgery witness' got a ’ diary. In it the only references to the patient were dated September 28th and 29th, October 6th and October Bth. The deceased’s Post Office Savings Bank book showed that she drew £3O on September 24th, 1921. When the detectives took possession of her effects in the hospital she had £2. Dr T. F. Telford, District Health Officer, said that Dr Temple' notified his office on October 10th. in a certificate dated October Bth, that septicaemia was suspected to exist iu Agnes Cook. i CORONER’S'VERDICT. In his verdict the coroner , stated that deceased died from acute suppurative peritonitis following perforation of internal organs. The coroner said that there was no pwwfc- that the perforations were the retoflt of the operative work of either Dr Temple or Dr, Bates, although it would have been preferable, keeping in view a prospective operation, for the deceased to have been forthwith sent to the pnblio hospital or' to any duly registered private hospital. The evidence disclosed that deceased was twice advised to go to.the public hospital, and refused to do so. Eventually Drs Temple and Bates prevailed on the deceased to enter the public hospital, which she did on October Bth.