DEATH FROM INJURIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20099, 20 November 1939, Page 8

DEATH FROM INJURIES

FATE OF MRS. PATIENCE

INFLICTED BY HUSBAND !

FINDING AT INQUEST

(Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The final stage of the investigation into the death of Mrs. Harriet Jane Patience took place this morning when the inquest was held. The coroner, Mr. W. A. Nelson returned a verdict “in accordance with medical evidence that Harriet Jane Patience met her death at Claverley on October 4, 1938. as a result of grave injuries inflicted on her by her husband, Arthur John Patience.”

Patience, a public works employee, j aged about 48, lived with his wife who] was some 12 years older at Claverley j Camp. On October 4 she disappeared and was not found in spite of an intensive search. On July 20 of this year a body was found on the beach at Taratuhi, four miles from Claverley. Patience was subsequently charged with the murder of his wife and. on October 31. a jury found him] guilty, but made a strong recommen- j elation for mercy. Mr. Justice Northcroft sentenced Patience to death, but application for a reprieve is now awaiting consideration by the Executive Council. Counsel for Patience, Mr. R. A. Young, said it was not possible to exclude cerebral trouble or shock following exposure as the cause of death. The doctors had not been able to ascertain exactly what caused the death. The proper verdict would be that Mrs. Patience died about October 4. Chief-Detective Dunlop held the coroner was bound bv the evidence and the verdict was then returned.