A HOUSEMAID'S SUICIDE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15836, 5 June 1919, Page 5

A HOUSEMAID'S SUICIDE

“FREDDY IS CALLING ME.” (Per United Press Association.) WHANGAREI, Jpne 4. Sensational evidence was given at an inquest to-day concerning the death of Jessie West, aged 32, a housemaid at the Whangarei Hotel, whose body was found in the upper rdkehes of Whangarei harbour yesterday evening. Pearl Burke, housemaid at the hotel, testified that tee tragedy was the outcome of spiritualistic meetings held in deceased’s room. After such a meeting held on Tuesday night,. at 8.30, witness and deceased walked to the town wharf, where the latter, remarking, “Freddy is calling me,” disrobed herself and put on a nightdress. At the deceased’s request, witness took the clothes and walked away, though being fully aware of deceased’s intention. A verdict of death due to drowning by the deceased .throwing herself into' the Water was returned, the Coroner remarking that the girl Burke, though apparently simpleminded, was morally responsible for West’s death, if not liable under the Criminal Code.