DOUBLE TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1930, Page 4

DOUBLE TRAGEDY

DUE TO INSANITY,

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

AUCKLAND, March 13

Verdicts that Mrs Agnes Beasley died on February 19 as the result ol wounds inflicted by William Potter while he was temporarily insane, ani that Potter, who died at Auckland Hospital on the following day committed suicide while of unsound mind were returned by Mr Hunt S.M., Coroner at the inquest into the double tragedy in Foch Avenue. John Frederick Beasley, said he was married in 1919, and there were three children, aged nine, seven and 1 six years. The family had been living in Foch Avenue for two years, and Potter who had been a hotel porter, was living wfth them. He described in detail the discovery of his wife lying dead and finding. Potter in another room with gv-h.es in his throat and chest. He said to Potter: “Can you tell me .vho has done this?” but Potter could not repfy, although he tried to speak and' made gestures pointing to his head and holding his head in his hi mb?. Witness had not noticed anything wrong in Potter’s manner. Potter was very friendly to him and to Ins wife and children. He had no suspicion in the matter.

Mrs NicHolls, a neighbour, sidd Potter appeared to be peculiar and morbid at times, and on sever ll occasions, she had seen him sitting cn f'c back door step, holding lit.- head between his bands and refusing to speak to anyone. Detective O’Sullivan said that in Die room where Airs Beasley was •build, he discovered a bar and link of a watch chain identified as belonging to Potter’s watch-chain. There were signs of a struggle in the room. “It is very fortunate for all of us •bat Porter committed suicide after bis art’’ said the Coroner, ii\ returning the verdict. >