CORONER SENDS WITNESS TO PRISON FOR REFUSAL TO SIGN EVIDENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 August 1947, Page 3

CORONER SENDS WITNESS TO PRISON FOR REFUSAL TO SIGN EVIDENCE

(PA.) Nelson, July 31. A witness who refused to sign th deposition of his evidence at rn inquest was sentenced by the coroner Mr. Maunsell, S.M., to seven days imprisonment for contempt of court The witness was Tolif Arthur Gbrielsen, lorry driver. He had earlier refused to answer a question, and had been warned that he might be sent to gaol.

The inquest was into the death of Alan Neil Quinney, aged 29, who had died in Gabrielsen’s house as the result of tubercular disease. Witness refused to say whether the adherents of a religious sect to which he belonged believed in medical attention or not.

Dr. F. Hudson said he visited Gabrielsen’s home and found Quinney suffering from an advanced stage of tuberculosis. Witness advised the Gabrielsens that Quinney should be removed to hospital immediately. He considered Quinney’s condition infectious. Mr. and Mrs. Gabrielsen, and Quinney as far as he was able, would not agree to the suggestion. They said they did not believe in medical treatment of any kind. Gabrielsen said the matter had been one for Quinney to decide. Gabrielsen would not answer a question concerning a religious sec:. Reading his deposition, Gabrielsen agreed it was correct, but refused to sign after repeated requests.

The coroner said the evidence did not appear to disclose that a crime was committed. It looked as if Quinney did not want a doctor, and there was no doubt the Gabrielsens did not want one either.