DUNEDIN TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1928, Page 3

DUNEDIN TRAGEDY

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.! DUNEDIN, Aug. 24. Regarding the Waitati murder, an inquest was held this afternoon, when it was stated that Nurse Melnties was 25 years of age. She had been relieving at the Home since August Ist. and she previously had been employed ot the Seaclilf Mental Hospital, where Ellis, who was 31 years of age, and who was divorced from his wile, had been employed as a bricklayer and plasterer oil the construction of a new building. After tile finding <»f the bodies had been described, Nurse Laurent. in

whom the murdered woman had confided, said that she understood that Nurse Mein lies was undecided between two men one of whom was Ellis. EH is had quarrelled with her. She had told witness that, ml a dance at SenclilF, she had danced with other men, and not very often with Ellis. This had made hint jealous. Nurse Mclnnes led witness to believe that she had finally reiected Ellis. She had entrusted witness with a letter to Ellis, about which she seemed to he worried. She was eager to get a reply, and she was diending the contents. She had asked him several questions, and slie had hoped that lie would answer each one Dr Ti*er described the injuries and he stated that there was no sign thatNurse Mel lines had been interfered with sexually. ■•The facts of this sad tragedy are onlv too plain ” said the Coroner. “It is obvious that Nurse Mclnnes was murdered by Ellis, who then cut his throat.” A verdict was returned according! \ .