WIDOW’S BODY FOUND FLOATING IN TANK

Wanganui Chronicle, 11 March 1947, Page 4

WIDOW’S BODY FOUND FLOATING IN TANK

(0.C.) Marton, March 10 Suicide by drowning while in a state of mental distress was the verdict returned by the district coroner, Mr. H. J. Higham, J.P., when an inquest was held at Hunterville concerning the death of Helen Meldrum, widow .aged 64 years. The body was found floating face upwards in a 400gallon water tank at the rear of the wash-house shed at her residence, in Milne Street, Hunterville, on Friday morning.

Mrs. Ale!drum, who was a wellknown resident of Hunterville, having resided there for over 35 years, had had certain worries in connection with a farm she leased, the lease of which had terminated. She had not been successful in obtaining a fresh lease of the property. Evidence at the inquest was given by two sons, George Alexander Meldrum, farmhand, and William Paul Meldrum, who resided with their mother; David Moir, builder, Bruce Street, Hunterville, a close friend of the family, who was called to the scene of the tragedy; Isabella Mary Kronast, married, and a neighbour of deceased, and Dr. N. J. Mcllroy, Hunterville, who said that the appearance of the body was consistent with that of drowning.