INQUEST ON THE VICTIM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2801, 20 November 1907, Page 14

INQUEST ON THE VICTIM.

CHRIBFOHURCH, November H. The inquest concerning the death of Mrs Annabella. Wilton, the victim of the Adding ton tragedy, was concluded to-day. The only additional evideece taken, waa that of Dr Marks, w?ho deposed that he had made * post mortem examination of the body of deceased, and hod discovered another bullet: wound m the right thigh. The abdomen, was ahnoßt full of' blood, but he was unable to find the came, though it must have been caused; by- a bullet. In one- part of the bowel a perforation was visible. He removed a. bullet (produced) from the right arm. All fch« other organs examined were heahby. The cadse of death was primarily shack, due to the effusion of blood in the abdomen, the shook being increased by other injuries. One of the larger vessels in the abdomen must have been ruptured. It waa remarked that tho discovery of this fourth wounds accounted for tha last of the 3ix empty revolver shells found in the house.

Addressing the jury, the Coroner said! that the only question was whether it would be advisable to adjourn the inquest to ascertain whether the 'husband would recover. In bis opinion the evidence of the husband was not neceseary. He could .give ho further explanation of the cause of death, and .he would be under no obligation to answer a, single question. It would be his (the coroner's) first duty to inform,, . him, should he appear before the jury, that he was. under no obligation t» answer any question which might have a tendency to incriminate him. No good purpose coudd he gained by adjourning. The Jury had the. evidence before it and eculd come to a verdict. The only curious thing seemed* to> be thai o«ly -one person (Harold Burley) , kecurd any shot fired prior to the deoeMod going ouWde the bock door of her house. - Any question as to Wilson's sanity was not for this jury to consider, as the man was not on bis trial, and that would probably be ingredient in his m defence if he ware on his trial. All the jury had to consider waa the cause of death, and oa the evidence- before it the only verdict tfe aouki return was ihat deceased was wilfully murdered by her husband, Hans Wilsoir.

The jury adopted this direction and returned a verdict accordingly.