INQUEST OPENED

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1933, Page 6

INQUEST OPENED

DOUBLE REMUERA TRAGEDY

WIFE AND HUSBAND GASSED

(Per Press Association, Copyright)

AUCKLAND, December 18.

The inquest into the deaths of William Brander, aged 61, and his wife, Ruth Mary Scott Brander, aged 42,who were found dead yesterday in the gas-filled kitchen of their home in Remuera was opened this morning. Evidence was given by a maid that she found' tile kitchen door locked, and that she -smelled gas. She had seen them about 11.15 o’clock on Saturday night in the kitchen when they appeared quite cheerful. Other evidence .showed that a note addressed to the maid was left on the telephone, in Mrs Brandcr’s handwriting. She had also left a note for a married sister, indicating her intention of suicide. In the kitchen, Brander w-a. 3 found lying on thp floor close to the gas stove with his head on his wife’s knees. She was lying with her head on a cushion.

A doctor said he had been .attending Brander who was suffering from an incurable disease, due to which his davs were numbered. His wife, knew the seriousness of her husband’s illness, and had been very depressed.

The Coroner -returned a verdict of suicide by gas poisoning.