BURNT TO DEATH.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19461, 28 December 1934, Page 7

BURNT TO DEATH.

WOMAN'S SUICIDE WHILE INSANE. (From a Correspondent.) SYDNEY, Dec. 19. At the inquest at Wlngham into the death of Mrs Margaret Sewell, wife of Constable Sewell, it was stated that she poured kerosene over her clothes, and then set alight to them. The woman was shockingly burnt, and died shortly after admission to hospital. The coroner found that she had committed suicide while temporarily insane. Dr. E. S. Erby, Medical Officer, said that on arrival at Constable Sewell’s home, he saw Mrs Sewell lying on the grass in the backyard, covered with a blanket. Practically all her clothing had been burnt off her body. He heard her say to her husband, “ Get a nice girl and marry her, so that she can look after Douglas." The doctor added that she was also singing hymns. In one hand was a box of rnatohes. In the kitchen was a note stating that she was responsible for her own injuries. Witness said that in June, 1933, he had ordered the deceased’s transfer to a mental hospital. Shortly before setting alight to herself, Mrs Sewell gave her son, Douglas, a pound note, and told him to go to a shop and buy a Christmas present for himself.