WOMAN'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 230, 27 September 1940, Page 8

WOMAN'S DEATH.

ACCIDENTALLY POISONED.

FINDING AT INQUEST

A verdict that death was due to jKiison taken accidentally was returned by the coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, at the inquest concluded today into the death of Mrs. Marjorie Cockbill, an elderly woman, who was removed from a room at 23, Nelson Street, on September 15, and died after her admission to the Auckland Hospital.

David Magee, labourer, living at 23, Nelson Street, gave evidence that the deceased had been living with him for the past six years. She was divorced from her husband some few months ago, but had been separated from him for eight or nine years. On Saturday, September 14, deceased was at witness' room most of the day, and when witness arrived home about 5.30 p.m. she was lying on the bed asleep. They shared a bottle of stout which witness had brought home, and witness then went out again, returning about 11.30 p.m. Deceased was then in bed asleep. About 2.30 next morning witness heard her groaning, and on turning on the light saw that she was frothing at the mouth. He then noticed that a quart bottle of disinfectant which he had obtained from a friend that day and placed under some shelves behind the door was now on the table with almost a tumbler full. Witness realised that deceased must have taken some of the disinfectant thinking it was another bottle of stout. He sent for an ambulance and deceased was taken to the Auckland Hospital, where she died later that morning. Witness said deceased did not know he had brought the disinfectant home. He intended to clean out the room and drains with it. Sergeant E. W. Stratton said he had inspected the room of Magee. which was only 9ft by 9ft and poorly furnished. Dr. L. Robinson gave evidence that he examined deceased at the Auckland Hospital and that her death was due to poisoning.