RICH RECLUSE STARVED.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 28, 10 March 1914, Page 4

RICH RECLUSE STARVED.

A strange story was told at the inquest on Adelaide Playle, the rich reclUse of Herongate, Essex, who was found dead in her house recently.

She had, witnesses said, regarded all her relative's* with the bitterest hatred, and had rejected all their advances. Her bank-book showed £99 balance in cash, and receipts for interest on £SOO Consols, and she had lately paid £l5O for a house. She had, however, applied for and received an old-age pension. The woman was of eccentric habits, and a doctor said he had never seen, a house in such a deplorable condition even in a London slum. Death was due to senile decay and starvation. The coroner mentioned that years ago an inquest was held on Miss Playle's sister, who lived with her, and it was then. suggested that the sister had starved to death. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.