DEATH OF YOUNG MARRIED WOMAN

Southland Times, Issue 24651, 24 January 1942, Page 6

DEATH OF YOUNG MARRIED WOMAN

Drowning Fatality At Waikaia A drowning fatality in unusual circumstances occurred at Waikaia on Thursday afternoon. The victim was Mrs Evelyn Howard Williams, fifth daughter of Mr and Mrs George Pinckney, Glenaray Station, Waikaia, and wife of 2nd Lieutenant David E. Williams, of Hawke’s Bay, who is serving with the New Zealand forces overseas. Mrs Williams and her sister had been working during the afternoon about a garden on the bank of the Waikaia river near the Glenaray homestead, and because of the heat she went to the river for a drink. Apparently Mrs Williams lay down on the bank and lowered her head to the water to drink, but it seems that she was suddenly overcome by a fainting turn. It was noticed some time later that Mrs Williams had not returned, and she was found lying on the bank with her head partially submerged in the water. Artificial respiration was applied, but all efforts failed to restore life. . Mrs Williams was born at Waikaia and was 33 years of age. She was educated at a private school and a number of years ago she married Mr Basil Unwin, a son of Dr W. H. Unwin and Mrs Unwin, of Timaru. A sudden illness, however, resulted in the death of her husband at an early age. Mrs Williams then returned to live with her parents, and three months ago she was married in Wellington to 2nd Lieutenant Williams. An inquest into Mrs Williams s death was opened at Waikaia yesterday morning before the district coroner (Mr A. T. Newman). Kathleen Edith Pinckney gave evidence of identification and stated that in company with other members of the family she had 'gone in search of her sister. “After a few minutes I found her lying on the bank of the river, which at that spot had a steep slope,” the witness stated. “Her face was under water and to all appearances life was extinct. Her hair was not even wet, just her mouth and nostrils and most pf her face being under water. There was no indication of a struggle. She was lying feet out in a natural drinking position.” The witness stated that she had been informed that on the day before her sister had been gardening and that she had complained of dizziness when planting out seedlings. The opinion of the witness was that her sister had fainted. The day had been very warm and her sister had not had ~ hat on all the afternoon.

Evidence was also given by Una Tripp Pinckney and Constable H. E. Pearse, of Waikaia, and the inquest was adjourned sine die. Medical evidence has yet to be heard.