NOTED VIOLINIST’S DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1926, Page 7

NOTED VIOLINIST’S DEATH.

GRUESOME FIND IN A FLAT

Ay Tel-sraph- Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 2, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 1

Jean Baptisti, aged 30 years, a violinist, who recently toured Australia and New Zealand, was found in a flat at Holland Park, having been dead for over a month. She was in her nightdress and a towel wae wrapped round her head. It is believed to be a ease of suicide. She had ample means. Received Sept. 2, 7.30 p.m. London, Sept. 2.

Jean Baptisti had apparently been dead for at least a month. Her friends state that she underwent an operation for appendicitis in 1025, since when she has suffered internal pain and re-opera-tion had been recommended. Baptisti was moody, and complained of people slandering her. She alleged that a woman, jealous of her.success, struck her ou the head with a stick, resulting in three months’ illness and partial lose of memory. She travelled as the “Girl With the Fiddle,” and the “Girl With Magnetic Eyes.” She appeared on the stage barefoot and dressed in rags and played the violin. A theatrical agent states he found her in the chorus of a revue getting 50s weekly. She secured better engagements and toured Australia in the later part of 1918, when she received £36 per week, she recently suffered from ill-health.