WOMAN’S DEATH

Southland Times, Issue 20633, 3 November 1928, Page 7

WOMAN’S DEATH

INQUEST OPENED. SISTER A RETICENT WITNESS. REFUSES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, November 2. There were some sensational features about the inquest which opened to-day into the death of Freda Ellen Clark, aged 29, who was found in a state of collapse in a nursing home yesterday and died before the doctor’s arrival. The only witness, Mrs Doris Dannefeard, deceased’s sister, said that Freda was employed as a clerk in the office of the Te Aroha Borough. Chief Detective Hammond : When did you last see her alive ? I refuse to answer. The coroner (Mr. Hunt): Where did your sister live? I refuse to answer. Witness on being informed by Mr. Hunt that she must answer was proceeding to do so when counsel for the relatives said the Coroner was carrying things too far, only identification evidence being necessary at this stage. Mr. Hunt replied he was the best judge and would not adjourn until he thought fit. Witness then stated she wasn’t present when her sister died. The inquest was adjourned sine die after Mr. Hammond remarked:—“lt’s hard to get any particulars at all.”