VERDICT OF SUICIDE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23347, 2 November 1945, Page 6

VERDICT OF SUICIDE

Man On Bail Takes Poison

(N.Z.P.A.) WHANGAREI, Nov. 1. A verdict that Ewen Kennedy Clarke, Child Welfare Officer, had taken his life by drinking poison was returned by the Coroner at the inquest to-day. The evidence showed thqt a charge of indecent assault on a Maori boyhad been laid against Clarke, who was released on bail, having told the police that he would plead guilty. Later accused's solicitor stated that a plea of not guilty would me made, clarke had asked Detective Finlay if he would oppose bail. Detective" Finlav replied that the only valid reason would be fear for the safety of Clarke, who laughingly' said there was no need for fear, as he could have committed suicide easily if he had wished to do so, for he could have used the bandages on his legs, which were bandaged from ankles to knees for varicose veins. Clarke was granted bail and next morning his body was found in a convenience at the rear of the Child Welfare premises. A mug containing a small quantity of dark fluid was Iving nearby, and an analysis showed that, poison 45 times greater than a fatal dose had been taken. Clarke left a note to the man who had gone surety when he was bailed out. saying that he did not intend to annear.