A SUDDEN DEATH.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1918, Page 4

A SUDDEN DEATH.

SUPPOSED SUICIDE

Westport was shocked on Thursday night to hear of the death under tragic circumstances of Airs Elizabeth McLel lau,. wife of the well-known contractor. Air. Donald AlcLellan. The latter Ic-.t the farm at Sergeant’s Hill, to catch the 1 p.m. train, leaving his wife and youngest son, Gordon, 13 years of age at home. Airs AlcLellan accompanied her husband to the- gate, a few yards from the house, and, in returning spoke to her son, Gordon, who was working a horse in a paddock, deceased asking how lie was getting along with the horse. She then then went into the house. About 3 o’clock, Gordon returned to the house for a drink, and missed his mother, went in search of her. lie called out but got no reply and went to a neighbour’s house Finally ho went along the track to Lhe bush and - on the brink.of a little crock was horrified to find his mother dead, with the head almost blown off. apparently from gelignite, or detonators, of which there were many in the house, used in connection with the blasting of logs. Word was at onc-c conveyed to the police, who have, arranged to hold an inquest to-day. The hue Afrs AlcLellan was a member of the well-known Xgakawnu family, AlcNarns. She had suffered’ recently from insomnia, but there was nothing at the time, her husband left borne to suggest that she contemplated taking her own life. Deceased lias one son in England who lias been lighting in France, another in camp, and the third Gordon, was living at home. A daughter is at Nelson. The community emphasises with the sorrowing husband and family jti tin* distressing teniteffv,