ASYLUM TRAGEDY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10037, 11 July 1910, Page 6

ASYLUM TRAGEDY.

THE INQUEST. I By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, Jujy 9. At the inquest in connection with the Asylum tragedy, the evidence showed that Mrs Webster was violent when admitted, and had delusions that people were after her. Un one occasion she jumped out of the window and ran up the street in her night attire. Dr. Beatcie, Superintendent, stated that he did not believe Webster ever lived in New Zealand. He produced a letter written by Jones, in which he thanked Dr Beattie for his kindness to Mrs Webster, and asking him to Icok over whnt the I writer had done, which he thought was for the best. He alone, the writer continued, was responsible. It was destiny and had to be done. The letter concluded, "Treat the two-legged inquisitive insectc with the contempt due to such beings." Mrs Webster was a sister of Lionel Terry. Her real name was de Thierry. Jones never showed signs of insanity, though he had eccentricities. Three times hj« had appeared at tha Asylum very drunk. Witness considered him sano. Mrs Webster was bright and vivacious, and a great favourite, though feebleminded. Assistant Matron Campbell said Both fell with a thud after taking the poison. Dr. {yicKt:;vey stated that both died together five minutes after taking He found two bottles, one smelling of prussic acid nnd the other of wine. Jones never showed signs of insanity. A long letter, partly sane, partly rambling, from Jones was read, in which he said death was preferable to a life of insanity. Also, (hat he had done it at her express wish. Two brief notes were produced, in which Mrs Webster wrote that it was her wish to die with Jones. She had asked him to help her. She also wanted her children io die and be buried •with her, concluding, "World too rotten and dark." A verdict was returned •"hat the deceased died from cyanide poiso administered by Jones. &t the inquest on Jones, a verdict of suicide while of sound mind was j returned,. No blame was attachable to the staff.