INQUEST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7013, 18 November 1890, Page 4

INQUEST.

COMMITTAL FOR TEIAL. The adjourned inquest relative to tbe death of Marsala Cowan was held in the Christchurch Besident Magistrate's Court at 4 p.m. yesterday, hefore JR. Beetham, Esq., Coroner. Mr James Tregear waß foreman of the jury. Mr T, I. Joynt appeared on behalf of Alexander Cowan. Inspector Pender called the following evidence :— Alexander William Bickerton, Professor of Chemistry : On Wednesday, Nov. 12, received a stomach (produced in a jar) from Detective O'Connor, for analysis. Could detect no trace of either mineral or vegetable poison. To Mr Pender : Could not state if there was alcohol in the stomach, as it was placed in alcohol to preserve it. Maurice O'Connor, Detective, gave formal evidence. The Coroner said, in considering the case, the jury must remember that a verdict that the deceased died from manslaughter or murder waß not conclusive, but amounted to this, that on such a verdict being found, the person implicated must be placed on trial for murder or manslaughter. If they found such a verdict it would be his duty to commit the person implicated for trial. A3 a matter of fact, Cowan admitted that be shook the deceased by the throat. The medical men told them that with the congested state of the wiadpipe, the pressure on it from the goitre might be the indirect cause 0? death. If they found sufficient connzetion, between the assault and subsequent death, taking into consideration all the circumstances touched upon by the doctors in their evidence, it was for them to consider if there was a case between Cowan and his country to render him liable for his wife's death. The jury retired, and after an absence of about lialf-an-hour they returned, finding that Marsala Cowan died through injuries received through her husband taking her by the throat, she being in a weak state of health at the time. The Coroner pointed out that the verdict was equal to one of manslaughter, and in answer to Mr Joynt, stated that the matter could be taken to the Supreme Court direct. Bail was fixed in accused's self in .£250, and fctvo sureties of .£250 each.