YOUNG WOMAN’S DEATH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16559, 19 October 1921, Page 8

YOUNG WOMAN’S DEATH.

INQUEST RESUMED, • On' October 9 Agnes Cook, twentyfour years of age, who bad been employed at the Christchurch Club as a cook for about six months, died in the General Hospital under circumstances w hich led to an adjournment of the inquest, after formal evidence had beeu heard, so' that the police could investigate the case further. The deceased was brought to the Hospital on the day of her death by Nurse E. Bur son. from a nursing home, where she had been under the care of l>r A. Temple. The inquest was resumed at the Courthouse this afternoon, before Air S. E. Al’Carthy, District CoronerChief Detective Cameron appeared for the police. Air M. J. Gresson watched proceedings on behalf of Nurse Burson, and Air C. S. Thomas-on behalf of Dr Temple. Before evidence was called Air Thomas said he_ would like to point out to the Court that a local newspaper bad stated that the police considered that an illegal operation had been performed in connection with tlie case. Under the circumstances, as a cautious counsel, he would ask the Coroner to warn each witness that he was not bound to give evidence that might incriminate him. He would have more to say later regarding tbe manner in which the case had been conducted by the police. Chief Detective Cameron ; T object to that. Air Thomas has no right to pass remarks like that. The Ala gist rate said that it was no part of bis duty to warn witnesses against inc.ri initialing themselves. However, a witness could plead that certain evidence would incriminate him, and he would not be bound to answer the questions. Chief Detective Cameron said that the police had at no time stated that there was anything illegal in connection with tbe cose. Air Thomas: You took no steps to contradict the statement in tlie newspaper. The Chief Detective: We .have nothing to do with the Press. Air Thomas said that in the whole of his experience he had never seen a case handled in the way in which this one had been. The Chief Detective: We are not concerned with your opinions. (Proceeding.)