The Waitotara Mystery.
IDENTIFICATION SOUGHT FOR*
The following circular has been distributed throughout the police stations in the district and at all headquarters, and will be published in the Police Gazette. It is requested that the Press of the colony should give prominence to the circular, for reasons that are parent:On the 14th of June, 1908, the body of a woman was found on the sea beach, two miles east of Waitetara river, by Thomas Rhodes. Dr Harvey testified that tbs body had been several weeks in the water and at an inquest held later the following verdict was returned Found drowned; there was no evidence to show how she came-into the water." Description of the Woman About 60 years of age, Bft Gin; high, well nourished; nails carefully trimmed; ho teeth, gums suggest that artificial teeth were worn; no soars, no physical deformity, and no marks of violence suggesting that death was caused by, anything but drowning. The greatee part of lower limbs and tranks are eaten away, evidently by fish. The deceased was not photographed, as the features ware tod decomposed lor identification. The body was dressed in red flannel petticoat, black underskirt, chemise, hew stays, and slip bodice. -The bodice was fastened as the neck by an old-fashioned cameo brooch with gold setting, “ Beuitini F” scratched on cameo; a pair of black merino steok|ngs and new kid lace-up shoe*. A wedding ring and a gold ring bearing word " Mizpah " were on finger of left, band. There was no mark or name on the clothing to show who deceased was. THE BODY IDENTIFIED. It now transpires that the body found on the Waitotara beach about a week ago is that of Mrs A. W. F. Halsombe, well-known tbcougboot New Zealand, and a daughter of the late W. Swainson, of the Hutt. Deceased was 69 years of age, and her husband pre-deceased her three years. She was a talented and well-known artist. The evidence points to suicide in the Patea River while en route from Marten to Waitara to visit a son. Deceased bad been depressed and in ill health.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19030630.2.13
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Manawatu Herald, 30 June 1903, Page 2
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351The Waitotara Mystery. Manawatu Herald, 30 June 1903, Page 2
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