A WOMAN'S DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 93, 5 September 1912, Page 5

A WOMAN'S DEATH.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dannevirke,. Wednesday. The inquest concerning the death of Annie Mary Beck, at Lower Norsewood, on Friday night last, was resumed yesterday at Ormondville. ' Evidence was given that bloodstains were round on the back of the doors leading to the kitchen and bathroom. The medical witness was unable to state whether it was human blood or otherwise. Other evidence showed that a man named Dennesen stayed with the Becks for several days, during which time beer and rum were indulged in by the three members of the household. On Thursday night all were more or less under the influence of liquor. The deceased fell down on her way to bed near midnight, and her husband had to help her into the apartment. During the night Dennesen, who was sleeping in the next room, alleged that he heard Beck and his wife quarrelling. The latter asked her husband not to beat her any more, as she was sore all over and could not stand it. Dennesen said Beck assaulted him' on Thursday, making his ear bleed profusely, and again on Friday, this time in the vicinity of the back door, but witness did not think any blood from his ear fell on the floor or doors. He left at 4 o'clock.

Another witness stated that Beck had been drinking more or less heavily for the last eight weeks. When he visited the house on Friday afternoon Beck was under the influence of drink, and Mrs. Beck, who was in 'bed, appeared to have been drinking. The inquest was adjourned till to-day. A CHARGE OF MURDER. Dannevirke, Last Night. The inquest concerning the death of Annie Mary Beck at South Norsewriod on Friday night last was concluded today at Orrnondville. Peter- Lawson Beck, son of deceased, said that his father had been a very heavy drinker for years, and latterly hail been getting much worse. When drunk he got into, such a state that he did not know what he was doing. Beck had ill-treated his wife for years, when un der the influence of liquor. Constable MeLeod, who arrested accused, said that the latter wanted to shoot himself. On Saturday morning, Bed; informed him that his wife got drunk and fell down in the back yard. He tried to take her to her bed, but she was too heavy, and he left her on the lloor and went to bed. On waking, he found his wife dead'there. When lie left her on the floor, Beck said there were no marks on her, but afterwards when told of the marks said she must nave got them falling on the wood bin. Detective Butler gave similar evidence as to the statement made by Beck. The jury found that deceased <Jied on Friday night from cardiac syncope, caused from the effects of injuries received from violence on her. As the husband was the only person in the house, they considered a prima facie case existed against him. i Beck was subsequently charged" in the Magistrate's Court with having committed murder and was remanded until Wednesday next.