A CHRISTCHURCH MYSTERY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3803, 9 June 1928, Page 3

A CHRISTCHURCH MYSTERY

YOUNG WOMAN FOUND DEAD

PECULIAR .CIRCUMSTANCES. Christchurch, June 7. The body of Emily Forward, aged about 21 years, Avas found in a bach at North Beach, Ncav Brighton, yesterday. The woman had been dead for three months. The gas had been turned on from a gas stove in the room Avhere the body was found, but as the meter was of the shilling-in-the-slot variety and the house isolated, the escape of gas ceased before it attracted attention.

The police Avcre busy to-day making inquiries into the circumstances of the Avoman’s death. Despite the fact that death must have occurred betAA r een tAVo and three months ago, the rent had been paid regularly right up to May 19. The “bach,” a small, grey painted building of tAVo rooms, almost hidden at the rear of the section, was taken for a term of tAvelvc months early in the year by William Burgess, a taxi driver, of Christchurch, Avho had regularly paid the rent fortnightly. After the body Avas discovered yesterday the police had a long interview Avit.li Burgess at the police station. It is understood that be made a statement concerning his acquaintance with the dead woman. An inquest Avas opened' to-day before Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M. •Irene Robina Passmore, wife of Sydney Passmore, said that yesterday at about 12.30 p.m. she visited the bach and found the body, Avhich she identified. Miss ForAvard had lived there for some time, and Avitness had visited her previously. She Avas a single woman, and Avitness had last seen her alive about three months ago. The Coroner: Do you knOAV why she went doAvn there?—“Yes, she couldn’t keep her position because she was expecting to lie laid up, and Avas not in good health.” You mean she Avas expecting to become a mother, and avus not too well?—“Yes, that’s it.” The inquest Avas adjourned sine die.