MYSTERY OF GIRL'S DEATH

Chronicle (Levin), 7 October 1947, Page 5

MYSTERY OF GIRL'S DEATH

, _ WELLINGTON, Oct, 6. A wide examination of that part of the town belt on Mt. Victoria where the body of Marie Eniily West was found on Sunday, a post mortem examination and the opening of the inquest, were the main features of today 's investigatioris into the "girl's death. At the inquest opened by the Coroner, Mr. R. M. Morgan, the fathfer of the dead girl, William George West, gave evidence that he had identitied the body as that of his daughter. Identification had been possible by the general outline of the body and formation of the teeth. West also identitied the watch found on the body as the one his daughter was wearing when she left home on the night of July 7. The Coroner said he was satisfled the body was that of Marie West and the inquest was adjourned- sine die. Poliee investigations are under the control of Detective Inspector J. Bruce Young and Henior Detective E. H. Compton. "We are flat out on the case and are gathering in all the evidence we can and sifting it," said Detective Inspector Young. He declined to state whetlier anytliing of consequence was revealed jjy the wide search of the hillside area. Preliminary investigations, particularly as the body showed no signs of a struggle, have evolced varied theories in the public mind as to the course of events since the girl's disappearance almost 13 weeks ago. Withered branehes thrown over the body cast a sinistei aspect on the case. Had she been lying where she. was found all that time? is one of the questions most frequently asked. If foul play is the explanation of her fate then it was- obviously not for the purpose of theft. The watch was the only article of value she carried and it was still on the body. The t'awn camel-liair coat, brown cardigan and brown sho.es Miss West was wearing when she left home, could not be found in the vicinity of the body.