DROWNED IN THE HARBOUR. Sad Death of a Married Woman. Auckland, April 16.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 151, 24 April 1886, Page 5

DROWNED IN THE HARBOUR. Sad Death of a Married Woman. Auckland, April 16.

Between 8 and 9 o'clock this morning a workman found the dead body of a woman lying on ono of the stringers just under Messrs Sims and Brown's slip, off Customs - street West. He at once informed the polico, and Constable Christie went to the spot indicated to make the necessary inquiries. The body was removed to the morgue. It was found to be that of an elderly woman, respectably dressed and fully clothed, excepting boots and hat, but at that time she had not been identified. Close to where the body was found were a hat, a pair of prunella boots, shawl, and necktie, apparently the property of the deceased, deposited on the breastwork, and kept together by two or three bricks placed on the top of them, which led to the conclusion that the deceased had committed suicide deliberately. Later on, a Mrs Rose Ertl called at the Police Station to make inquiries about the whereabouts of hor friend Mrs Johanna Binning, whom she had not seen since the previous night, and for whose safety she was uneasy owing to some threats which the latter had made. Mrs Ertl, who was accompanied by a little girl named Mary Allen Binning, an adopted daughter of her friend, was directed to the water police station. He here learnod that a body had been found in the harbour, and proceeded to the morgue in company with Constable MaoDonnell. Mrs Ertl identified the body as that of Mrs Johanna Binning, aged about 40 years, although apparently much younger, and the wifo of Mr Binning, employod by Mr Hulme as a slaughterman. The littlo girl also identified the body as that of her mother, and wopt most biitorly because of her boreavament. It appears that for some time past the deceased has manifested symptoms of mental weakness. She complained that people were after her, and that the police were after her. Indeed, she was so impressed with these illusions that she lately called at the police station to see if they really wanted hor. About 5.30 p.m. yesterday deceased told her step daughter that she would drown herself, but at the time the threat was not taken much notice of, It seems probable, therefore, that the unfortunate woman went deliberately to the waterside, and after carefully depositing her hat, boots, &c, on the breastwork (for what reason it would be difficult to imagine), threw herself into the harbour and was drowned, the action of the tide leaving the dead body on one of the stringers of Messrs Sims and Brown's slip. An inquest on the body was proceeding at Gleeson's hotel this afternoon. An inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at Gleeson's Hotel, before Dr. Philson and a jury, on the body of Johanna Binning, a married woman, who was found drowned ; Mr Frank Houghton foreman, Sergeant A. Clark repiesented the police. The following witnesses were examined :— Joseph liawley King deposod to seeing the body of deceased at 6 30 in the morning, under the ferry steamer. The woman was lying on her back, with her left arm across her breast ; her head was baro ; she was well dressed, but had no boots on. He at once sent to the Water Police, and Constable Christie - came and took charge of the body. He could not tell by what means she got into the water. — James Christie, police constable, corroborated. The woman called at the station on Wednesday, and appeared quite sober. He removed the body to the Morgue He then went to the spot where it was supposed she fell into the water, and found a hat, a pair of boots, a shawl, and neckerchief, kept down by a couplo of bricks, which led to the supposition that tho unfortunate woman had committed suicide. Tho body was quite dead. On searching the body, two gold rings were found upon it. The body, clothes, and rings were subsequently identified by her husband as his wife's. — Rose Ertl deposed that she was a spinster living in Edenstreet, near Sfc. James's Church. [She had been acquainted with Mrs Binning for about three years. Saw her last on Wedneeday evening at 9 45. She wished to stay at witness's house that night. She consented, and Mrs Binning went to rest. Presently, on going into her room, she found that deceased had gone. Saw her no more. Afterwards she heard that a woman was drowned. Went to the Police Station, and then to the Morgue, where she saw the body and identified it as that of her friend. She was a sober woman, — George Binning, a butcher, working in Parnell, and who was visibly affocted, deposed that his wife had been unwell for some time, and complained of her head. He was only at home once a week. His wifo, who was 3D, had been to AvondaJo on a visit to her mother. They had an adopted child, a girl of 15, whose conduct had troubled his wife. His wife was much attached to the girl, who left her. Mr Binning sai«l his wife had been strange in her habits for some time past. — Annie Binning deposed that she was an adopted child, and 11 years of age. Did not know either hor father or mother. Her father's name was Dean ; her mother was a native woman. Saw Mrs Binning about nine o'clock last evening (Thursday) at Mrs Ertl's, near tho church. Was at Avondale with Mrs Binning on Wednesday. Left together for Auckland. Went to the police station and saw Trooper Kelly.- She wished to bf> locked up, and because Kelly objected, she said she would drown herself. — The Coroner : Did you hear her say that ? - Witness : Yes, sir, Kelly persuaded hor to go home. — Sergeant Pratt, who was present, contradicted the girl's statement. The woman asked the police to take charges of the girl, as her husband had left her, and she could not take charge of the child. She was told to come the next day. —The girl furthor stated that Mrs Binning had buC a poor appetite, and did not take her food. She had nothing to drink that day. — The Coroner said the poor woman, no doubt, was mentally afflicted. — The jury returned the verdict, " Found drowned without marks of violence."

To tiie Public -I, the undersigned, do this day make the following statement, in hopes that others who have gone through, a similar affliction may profit thereby :— For many months haA r o I been sick ; so bad that life was a burden. The mental depression and physical prostration wore something that cannot be described. Doctors and patent medicines I have tried without any relief, but getting worse all the time. As a forlorn hope I called on Dr. Spoor, Palmerston Buildings, Qucen-strcot. He examined me, and without asking a question, gave me every symptom I had. Said ho would treat mo. From the first tcaspoonful of his medicine I felt relief, and have boon constantly getting better over since. Words cannot express my gratitudo. The above statement T mako without any solicitation, and I am willing to verify tho same before a J.P.— Respectfully yours, R, A»AMS«T flliarlotte-street, Eden Terrace* ' A '