KATOOMBA DOUBLE TRAGEDY

Otago Witness, Issue 3244, 17 May 1916, Page 18

KATOOMBA DOUBLE TRAGEDY

SYDNEY, May 14. At the inquiry into the Katoomba tragedy, Mr W. A. Hallett, the husband, stated that his wife and daughter had been travelling for three years in search of health. Although he had not seen either for a year they corresponded regularly. A verdict of suicide was returned. Mrs W. A. Hallett (38) and her daughter Mabel (18) were found dead in bed at their home, South Katoomba, on April 17. Police Sergeant Kidd and Dr Allen (Government medical officer) found on the verandah of the house a note to the baker, saying : " Please leave no more bread; wo bake our own." Some money was wrapped in paper, on which was written: "Cash for what wo owe " Entrance, was forced, and the body of Mabel Hallett was found in in her room, fully clothed. Mrs Hallctt's body was found in the same room in another bed, with Her nightdress on. Her hands were clasped across her breast. On a table a letter was found addressed to W. A. Hallett, Box 940, G.P.0., Melbourne, stating: "In case of sickness or other emergencies, write to Alick Hallett, Katoomba." In a red box in another room a quantity of jewellery with the following will was found: —"From Mabel Hallett: This gold medal and other trinkets I leave to Ivy. This Oriental cross I leave to Waldo —nothing more. The gold locket given to me by ' Wcddo ' I would like him to have, and on his death to go to you. My books I leave to dear Aunt Florence." Several empty bottles were found, four of which contained spirits of nitre and three aconite.