“MOST UNSATISFACTORY”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 522, 27 November 1928, Page 7

“MOST UNSATISFACTORY”

SILENCE AT INQUEST CORONER OUTSPOKEN “I decline to answer because what I say may incriminate me.” This statement, repeated with monotonous regularity, was the main answer that witnesses made at the inquest held yesterday afternoon on Freda Helen Clark, aged 29. Miss Clark died at the home of Mrs. Georgina Colnott, an unregistered nurse, on November 1, the cause of death being blood-poisoning. The inquiry was opened for a third time yesterday, Mr. V. R. Meredith, Crown solicitor, being present on behalf of the police. Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., was coroner, and Mr. R. A. Singer appeared on behalf of Mr. and'Mrs. Colnett, Mr. Percy S. G. Sowerby, farnler, of Kereone, and other parties. The first witness called was Mrs. Doris Dannefeard, of St. Andrew’s Road, Epsom, a sister of Miss Clark. Asked if her signature was affixed to paper produced by Mr. Meredith, witness declined to answer on the ground that it might incriminate her. witness also refused to admit that certain correspondence produced was m her handwriting. She refused also to admit that she was acquainted with a Mrs. Bauer or had had communication with her. Mrs. Doris Bauer said she knew “of” Mrs. Dannefeard, but she refused to admit having closer acquaintance on the ground that it might incriminate her. The same reason for silence was the only further reply made to a series of questions asked by Mr. Meredith. Detective A. Allen produced a statement signed by Mrs. Dannefeard, in which she said that Miss Clark had stayed at her home on Labour Day and complained of being ill. Miss Clark had asked if she knew some place where she could have a rest, but she did not, at that time, disclose the nature of her illness. On a day during the week preceding November 1, Mrs. Dannefeard made arrangements for her sister to go to Mrs. Colnett’s home. HOT CROSS-TALK There was a passage of hot talk during the evidence that was given by Percy Seymour George Sowerby. Sowerby admitted that he knew Miss Clark, but declined to answer how long. “Do you know Miss Clark is dead?” asked Mr. Meredith. "I decline to answer,” replied witness. The Coroner: 1 don’t intend to sit here and let the inquest be bluffed out this way—you answer or I’ll commit you. Mr. Singer objecting to the coroner’s tone of voice, said the inquest could not be used as a means of extracting evidence useful to the police. “If the police had got him behind locked doors,” said Mr. Singer, “it would have been different, but those methods were avoided in the present case.” Mr. Meredith: It is most improper for counsel to make that suggestion. The inquest is not used to obtain evidence for the prosecution, and it is the coroner”s duty to explore every avenue of information. Mr. Singer made further reference to the coroner’s tone of voice, and Mr.

Hunt replied that he would use any tone he liked. “A stone wall has been set up,” added Mr. Hunt. Mr. Singer: And all your efforts of cajolery and threats will not break it down. Sowerby admitted that he was a married man, but declined to answer a question concerning his alleged relationship with Miss Clark. Georgina Colnett, of 88 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, said she had studied nursing at a women’s hospital in Sydney, but had failed to pass her final examination. She had engaged in nursing in New Zealand for 17 years, and was allowed to take a patient a month at her home. She was not registered. Witness declined to answer whether she knew Miss Clark, or whether Miss Clark had died in the house. Mr. Meredith: Were the police at your house on November 1? Witness: I decline to answer. “Was Mr. Singer there?” “I decline to answer.” replied witness, “it might incriminate me.” Mr. Meredith: Are you going to give any assistance to the court in respect of the death of Miss Clark? Witnes: I decline to answer. Chief-Detective Hammond, who searched the Colnett home, said the blankets and sheets had *been stripped from the bed occupied by Miss Clark, but blood-stained clothing had been found in the wash-house. Witness got in touch with the police at Mo.rrinsville concerning Sowerby, but he learnt then that Sowerby had left for Auckland. Later, at the railway station, witness saw Sowerby with Mrs. Dannefeard, talking to M.r. Singer’s clerk. SOWERBY LOCKED UP Mr. Singer: When 1 called at the police at 11.40 that night you had Sowerby locked in your private room? “I wouldn’t say that,” replied Air. Hammond. “You know it’s true. You had the man under lock and key,” said Air. Singer. “I don’t want to hear any more about that,” said the coroner. In adjourning the inquiry sine die, Air. Hunt said the position was most unsatisfactory, and he wanted to see if further information could be got.