YOUNG WIFE’S DEATH

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 19, 17 August 1928, Page 3

YOUNG WIFE’S DEATH

CORONER’S £]If.ARP COMMENT. “HUSBAND SHOULD BE HERE.” , ' SYDNEY, August S. The City Coroner (Mr E. A. May) sharply commented on the absence of the husband who was to have appeared as a Witness in' the inquiry into the death of his wife. Alice Campbell, 20, a married woman, who resided with her husband, Donald Duncan Campbell, at 2S, Blake Street, Rose Bay, died in _the Sydney Hospital on July 31. a s the result), according Ho medical evidence of having swallowed a disinfectant poison. “At this stage I will- say that the husband has got to he at this Court, even if. he has to b e brought here by warrant. 1 am not at all satisfied wtih the evidence' I have heard up to the present,” exclaim-

ed the Coroner, after evidence hud been given. Detective-sergeant Wilson informed the Coroner that h e had warned Campbell to be present, but had not subpoenaed him. He assured his Worship that Ire could bring Campbell to the court without the issuing of a warrant. ROOMS IX DISORDER. The detective stated that he visited the .home of th u Campbells on July 31 at about 10 p.m., arid found tire rooms in a state oj> disorder. On August 1 about 1 a.in., he saw Douaid Campbell, who told him that lie left tire house that night about 6 o’clock. He admitted that his wife and himself had had a few words about his expressed intention of going out. that evening. He also admitted that he did so, and had taken another girl to the Lyceum Picture Theatre. Answering the Coroner, witness said that Campbell did not appear self.”

j at all perturbed when informed of j bis wife's death. 1 The Coroner adjourned the i«- | quiry till 3 p.m. to-day, and asked I that the husband should be present, i When the inquiry tvas resumed j the husband entered the box. He said j that his wife clutched his coat on • the night of the tragedy and in tee j course of a struggle she tore it. j That was when he announced his intention of going out. Eventually ; they made it up. When he left i her he said: “I am going to the pictures." His wife replid: “Pr- | haps I will go to the pictures myj Recalled, Sergeant Wilson stated f that when he examined the body cf Alice Campbell there were no mark,, of burning on the lips. The Coroner returned a suicide verdict, and said that had,, the husband been present in the court in the morning there would have been no adjournmut. He was satisfied that Campbell had not received noti- ! fleation to attend until it was too I late to do so-