NEWTOWN DOUBLE TRAGEDY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1406, 17 March 1905, Page 2

NEWTOWN DOUBLE TRAGEDY.

MYSTERY OF THE WOMAN’S DEATH.

(Per Press ’Association.) Wellington, last night. I An inquiry was commenced to-day into I the ciroumstances connscted with the death of John Roussell and Mary Hughes, I whose dead bodies were found at No. 6 I Rentoul street yesterday morning. I The oiroumstanoes of the case were that I Mrs Pugh, the woman Hughes, and the latter’s two sons lived in the same house [as Roussell. The latter, who carried on a business as saddler, was in financial difficulties, and had been advised of pending divoroe proceedings, in which he and Mrs Hughes were to be joined as parties.

FIRST INQUEST. I The inquest on the man was taken first. I The evidence showed that deceased was I found in his workshop with his brains I blown out in such a position as to make suicide the only possible conclusion. Ho was in good health, and had given no indication of any intention to put an end to his life.

A verdict of suicido while temporarily 1 insane was returned.

INQUEST ON THE WOMAN. I At the inquest on the woman, Mrs Pugh, her mother, gave evidence that she had hoard her daughter say she would take her I life. That was at times when she suffered from headache.

.Ur Jferkens stated that the woman’s condition when found in Rousseil’s bedroom suggested death by poisoning, but he had been unable to find a trace of any poison or sign of congestion or hemorrhage. There was blood on the sheet of the bed, and bloody froth on the month. The womanls body was colder than Roussell’s. This suggested that she died first. William Hughes, husband of the deceased, said he had lived happily with bis wife until they made Rousaell’s acquaintance. His wife left him early in January without warning. He was taking proceed ings for divorce. It seems that years ago she was very ill, and had said she would be glad to die. Wituess had not seen bis ! wife from the day she left him with her mother and children to go and live at Eous ell’s. |

At this stage.the inquest was adjourned until Monday;, when the results of the analysis and/TSJiiavunation of the woman’s Btomaoh ' T : . ■ • ■ A J:‘ .