WOMAN DROWNED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18890, 4 January 1927, Page 10

WOMAN DROWNED.

TRAGEDY AT PETONE. [THE PBESS Speciil Service.] WELLINGTON, January 3. 3lr J. "W. Ellison, J.P. (Coroner), conducted an inqueßt at Petone tlii3 morning into the death of Mrs Emily Agnes Owen (aged 46), of 25 Richmond street, Petone, whose body was found floating in the water near the Petone wharf at 5 a.m. on Sunday. Besides the Coroner there was a jury of four. John Joseph Owen, the husband, said he had last seen his wife alive at 11 p.m. on Saturday, when she brought him a cup of tea to his bedside. She appeared to be in her usual health. At about 5 a.m. on Sunday someone was heard walking in the kitchen, and at 8 a.m. the two younger children said they could not find their mother. A search was made and enquiries were instituted among the neighbours, but nothing was heard of Mrs Owen. He had never heard his wife speak of committing suicide, nor was there anything to worry her.

Evidence . was given by Samuel -S. Joines that at 4.50 a.m. on Sunday he noticed Mrs Owen on the steps leading to the water at the Petone wharf. She was partially undressed and was acting strangely. Witness went for the police and returned within seven minutes with Constable McNamara. The woman was then in the water floating face downwards. The constable brought the body ashore and artificial respiration was tried without avail. The jury found that Mrs Owen met her death by drowning herself while in a state of unsound mind. The Coroner added that he greatly appreciated the action of Mr Joines in so promptly calling the police and also the prompt action of Constable McNamara in bringing the body ashore.