FOUND HANGING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23006, 8 October 1936, Page 3

FOUND HANGING

ELDERLY WOMAN'S DEATH An inquest on the body of Margaret Taylor, a married woman, 51 years of age, who was found on Tuesday night by her husband hanging from a beam in the washhouse of her residence at North-East Valley, was held yesterday afternoon, Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., sitting as coroner. Sergeant Boulton represented the police. Arthur Taylor identified the body as that of his wife, and stated that when he left for work dn Tuesday morning the deceased appeared to be in good health and spirits. On returning in the evening everything about the house seemed normal, but on looking for his wife he found her hanging by the neck from a beam in the washhouse. There was a step-ladder behind her, and he could see that she had been dead for some time. Dr Cottrell arrived shortly afterwards and cut the body down. The deceased had been suffering from delusions, but lately she seemed to have improved and .witness had never at any time heard her suggest that she might take her own life. Dr Cottrell said that when he cut the body down it was apparent that death had taken place some considerable time previbusly. He had attended the deceased, off and on, for some years. He had not seen much of her until about 10 days ago, when she was in her usual state of health, although she seemed a little peculiar, and had a delusion that some people were going to take her to court. Witness assured her that it would be all right, and she seemed satisfied. Constable Harris gave evidence that he knew the 'deceased had been suffering from delusions- for some years. The coroner returned a verdict that the deceased committed suicide while in a state of mental depression.