FATAL FALL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1929, Page 5

FATAL FALL

INQUEST OPENED,

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 14

An inquest on the victim of the fire at the Hotel Cargen was opened belore Mr Hunt, S.M., Coroner. formal evidence of identification only was taken, and the inquest was adjourned sine die. It was stated that in letters received from her mother, deceased was addressed as Sarah, and it was believed her correct name was Sarah Lynch, although she was known as Sadie. She was unmarried, and aged about 45 years. At the time of her d&tth she was head waitress at the Hotel Cargen. It is he ierod she hast only one relation in the Dominion, a sister in Dunedin, while her parents resided in Brisbane.

Mr Terry, who appeared for the hotel manager, Mr G. Lund, said it would lie suggested that deceased returned to her room to secure sonic of her helonings. Three other girls descended by the fire escape from which deceased fell, and one of them saw deceased at the window. She later disappeared into a room and it was suggested she was overcome by smoke and fell while she was attempting to descend a fire escape, or fainted. This theory was in part borne out by the fact that her suit case lay open on the floor nearby.