BLOW OR FALL?

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19148, 3 November 1927, Page 5

BLOW OR FALL?

WOMAN'S DEATH CAUSES | SUSPICION. INQUEST ADJOURNED. 1 (PKKS3 1830CUTI0X MHBOBAU.) GISBORNE, November 2. At the inquest on Mary Cameron, who was found dead near tho residence of a friend, her son said she had complained of her heart three weeks ago, but continued going out working, and she worked very hard. She usually carried a purse, but this was missing when the body was found. Dr. Rico said Mrs Cameron consulted him three weeks ago, but he found no organic disorder. The post-mortem disclosed a bruise on the left side of tho head, which might havo been caused by a blow from a blunt instrument, or by contact with the ground. There was no sign of any fracture «f the skull, and the brain was normal. There were signs of pleurisy of the right lung, but tho heart was normal in every way, except for an ante-mortem clot, which was present in the right ventricle. The stomach contained a quantity of milky fluid which he recommended should be analysed. The immediate cause of death was pressure on the pulmonary artery by a clot, but he was not satisfied, in tho absence of any ether facts, until the contents of the o stomach had been analysed. In his opinion the bruise was probably caused by a blow, as the mark covered only about a square inch, and was not in a position he would have expected to find it if caused by a fall. It could not have been a severe blow. Further evidence showed that Mrs Cameron occasionally was addicted to liquor, and Dr.- Rice stated that if she had fallen while intoxicated death might have been due to exposure. There was a strong possibility of death having been caused by exposure, but he could not be certain till the analysis had boen made. Mrs Ellen Zane said Mrs Cameron had called at her house at C.45 p.m., and remained ten minutes. Witness saw iier to the corner of the house. Mrs Cameron showed no sign of intoxication, and there appeared to be nothing the matter with her. When witness discovered the body at six o'clock next morning it was lying up against the fence inside the gate. Mrs Cameron had had nothing to eat or drink whilst in the house, and they had no quarrel or dispute. Nothing had happened to upset her. Constable Murray gave evidence that the body was in a position he would expect in tho case of a woman who had fallen down. He saw no signs of a struggle. Close by was an upright, which, in falling, she could not have escaped striking. Ho had known her to be intemperate at times. The inquest was adjourned.