CHRISTCHURCH TRAGEDY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 44, 15 November 1907, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH TRAGEDY.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE. / STATEMENT BY THE CORONER. . (BT TELEGRAJ'H .—press association.) : - Christchurch, Novombor 14. The inquest concerning the death of Mrs. Annabella Wilson, tho victim of tho Addington tragedy, was concluded to-day. Tho only additional evidence takon was that of Dr. Marks, who doposed that ho had mado a post mortem examination of tho body of tho deceased, and had discovored another bullet wound on. the right thigh. Tho abdomen was almost full of blood, but he was unable to find tho causo, though it must have been caused by a bullet. In one part of tho bowel a perforation was visiblo. Ho removed a bullet (produced) from tho right arm. All tho other organs examined were healthy. Tlie causo of death was primarily shock duo to the effusion of blood in tho abdomen, the shock,boing inoreased by tho other injuries. One of the larger blood vessels in tho abdomen must have been ruptured. It was remarked that the discovery of this fourth wound, accounted for tho last of the six empty revolver shells found in tho house.

Addressing the jury tho coroner said that the only question was whether it would b4 advisable to adjourn tho inquest to ascertain whether tho husband would recovor. In his 1 opinion tho evidence of tho husband was not necessary. Ho could give no furthor explanation of the cause of death, and he would; be under no obligation to answer a single, question. It would bo his (tho coroner's) first duty to inform him, should he appear .before the jury, that he was under no | obligation to answer any question which might': have a tendency to incriminate him. No good purpose could bo gained by adjourning., The jury had,the evidence before them, and.could come to a verdict. The only curious tiling seemed to be that only one person .(Harold Burloy) heard any shot fired prior to the deceased going outside the back door, of her house. Any question as to "Wilson!s; sanity was not for this jury to consider,' as the man was not on his trial, and that would probably be an ingredient in his defence, jf'he were, on his trial. All tho jury had ;to .'consider was the cause of death, and on ;th£ evidence l before them the only verdict 'they could return was that deceased was .wilfully murdered by her husband, Hans .IVilson. ' . .!

i Tho jury, adopted this direction, and • returned a Terdict accordingly.