SAD FATALITY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144070, 15 April 1913, Page 7

SAD FATALITY.

AT THE MUNICIPAL BATHS, ELTHAM LADY’S DEATH. There was a sad fatality at tho Municipal Baths, New Plymouth, this morning, the victim being Mrs. do Launay, wife of Mr. C. W. do Launay, of Eltham. It appears that Mrs. do Launay has not enjoyed good health of lato and has been under medical treatment at New Plymouth. Sho has also been taking a course of hot salt water baths here. Sho returned to New Plymouth on Monday night in order to continue tho treatment, and this morning visited tho municipal baths, but tho hot salt water baths were not available owing to a mishap to tho chimney of tho boiler house, which was damaged by the gale during Sunday night, and is being repaired. Mrs. do Launay asked permission to have a look around tho baths, which, of course, was granted, and Mr. Morris tho caretaker, returned to tho work he had in hand at tho boiler house. About ten minutes later ho had occasion to return to tho swimming'hath in order to got some tools and discovered Mrs. de Launay floating in‘ the water face downwards. He immediately got the body from tho water and applied artificial moans of respiration, and Airs. Morris telephoned for a doctor. .Mr. Morris continued in his efforts at resuscitation until tho arrival of Dr. Home, who continued thorn for some time, but without avail. When-discovered by Mr. Morris, the deceased lady was fully dressed, and was also wearing her bat and veil. Her overcoat was found on a diving stand, where it had evidently been placed by her when sho went into the baths, It is thought that ■ whilst walking around the baths Mrs, cle Launay had a seizure and fell into tho water, and til's supposition is borne out hv tho fact that there was no cry, for Mr. Morris was only a few yards away, and Mrs. .Morris was about her household duties in tho caretaker’s quarters. The inquest will he held at 10.30 tomorrow morning. As there are several Mrs. do Launa.vs in the district it- may be stated that the deceased lady’s full name was Meleta Agnes Walters de Launay, wife of Mr. Harry do Launay.