WOMAN DROWNED

Southland Times, Issue 20011, 27 October 1926, Page 6

WOMAN DROWNED

A CALLOUS HUSBAND TOO DRUNK TO IDENTIFY BODY COBONER’S SCATHING COMMENT (Per United Press Association.) Ashburton, October 25. The inquest into the death of Bridget McGinn, found drowned in the Ashburton river last Thursday afternoon, was continued before the Coroner (Mr James Cow), to-day. The Coroner found that Mrs McGinn committed suicide by drowning and from evidence brought he had come to the conclusion that the continued drinking habits and the cruelty of her husband so preyed upon her mind that at the time of her death her mental condition was such that she was not responsible for her actions. Addressing deceased’s husband after giving the verdict, the Coroner said he was sorry the man had descended so low that he should be under the influence of drink and so not in a fit state to identify his wife’s body. “I would like to deal with a sly-grogger who was waiting outside the hospital gates with a bottle of whisky,” said Mr Cow. “He is an apology for a man who is walking about in man’s clothing. Why don’t you go back to the Island or do something that will retrieve your manhood. Do try to pick yourself up. You are only 36 years of age, so that you have time to do it. Keep away from these sly-groggers I met the sly-grogger in question outside the hospital gates, and he had the audacity to say he gave him whisky free of charge.” “I never had any money,” interjected McGinn. “You ought to apologise to the Court for the state you were in at the hospital,” said the Coroner. “I do apologise to the Court,” said McGinn. “I did not know the inquest was going to be held before 9 o’clock next mornine.” /