CLAVERLEY TRAGEDY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21507, 21 November 1939, Page 9

CLAVERLEY TRAGEDY

CONCLUSION OF THE INQUEST By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, November 20. The final stage of the investigation into the death of Mrs Harriet Jane Patience took place this morning when the inquest was held. The Coroner (Mr W. A. Nelson) returned a verdict: “According to the medical evidence Harriet Jane Patience met her death at Claverley on October 4, 1938, as the result of grave Injuries inflicted on her by her husband, Arthur John Patience.” Patience, a Public Works employee, aged about 48, lived with his wife, who was some 12 years older, at Claverley camp. On October 4 she disappeared and was not found, in spite of intensive search. On July 20 of this year her body was found on the beach at Taratuhi, four miles from Claverley. Patience was subsequently charged with the murder of his wife and on October .31 the jury found him guilty but made a strong recommendation for mercy. The Judge (Mr Justice Northcroft) sentenced Patience to death, but application for a reprieve is awaiting consideration by the Executive council. Counsel for Patience (Mr R. A. Young) said it was not possible to exclude cerebral trouble or shock following exposure as the cause of death. The doctors had not been able to ascertain exactly what had caused death. The proper verdict would be that Mrs Patience died about October 4. Chief Detective Dunlop held that the Coroner was bound by the evidence. The verdict was then returned.