A GIRL’S SUICIDE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16454, 5 June 1919, Page 3

A GIRL’S SUICIDE.

EXTRAORDINARY CALLOUSNESS OF FRIEND. Per Press Association. WHANGAREI, June 4. Sensational ovidonco was tendered at the inquest to-day concerning the death of Jessie West, aged 32, housemaid at the Whangarei Hotel, -whose body was found in the upper reaches of . the Whangarei Harbour last night. Rcarl Burke, housemaid in the same hotel, testified that the tragedy was the outcome of spiritual meetings held in deceased’s room. Alter such a meeting on Tuesday night, at 8.311, witness and deceased walked to the town wharf, where the latter, remarking “Freddy is calling me,” disrobed herself, and put on her nightdress. At deceased’s request witness took the clothes .and walked away, though being fully aware of deceased’s intention. A verdict was returned that death was due to drowning by deceased throwing herself into the water. The coroner remarked that the girl Burke, though apparently simple-minded, was morally responsible for AVest’s death, if not liable under the criminal code.