Death 'Inquiry' Records - Burwood, NSW - 1950

[jeffreyjoecarroll]

I have recently received a death transcription for an ancestor, Lily Collingwood [Carroll] BAKER who died in Burwood, NSW in 1950. The cause of death states 'Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Wilfully Caused - finding at an inquiry held at Burwood on 1 Dec 1950 - R. Kersley, Justice of the Peace'.

Can anyone explain the difference between an 'inquiry' and an 'inquest'? Would there be formal documentation available from this 'inquiry'. I would love to dig deeper. Not sure of the next step.

Any assistance appreciated.

Jeff

[sparrett]

Hi Jeff,
I am not able to comment on the availability of the record you are seeking.  Perhaps other may.

However, as you appear to have the exact date of death for LILY, it is possible an obituary or other newspaper notice appeared for her.

From time to time one of our chatters is able to lookup these items.

Perhaps this could be a way to discover more about LILY.

Sue

[judb]

Can't see any mention of this, nor any death/funeral notices in the SMH for December, November or October, 1950.

The following link suggests that Inquest or coronial enquiry records are held by NSW govt.

Judith

http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/guides-and-finding-aids/archives-in-brief/archives-in-brief-4#inquests-1826-1963

[PrueM]

Hi Jeff

From a WA "Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention" website, so presumably the info is good for NSW as well:

What is the difference between an inquiry and an inquest?
An inquest is a court hearing conducted by the Coroner. The Coroner can summons people to be witnesses or to bring papers and other evidence. Evidence is given on oath and witnesses can be questioned. The Coroner must hold an inquest if the person was in a prison or institution (eg. psychiatric hospital). In other cases, the Coroner will decide whether or not an inquest is needed. If an inquest is not needed the Coroner will review the report written by the police (including witness statements, post mortem results etc.) and then make a finding on the death. This is called an Inquiry.
(http://www2.mcsp.org.au/community/resources/bereavement/practical.html)

Glad you asked the question, as I didn't know there was a difference, so I've learned something today! 

Cheers
Prue

[muppetprincess]

Hi Jeff,
If you check the National Library of Australia's newspaper library site, you can login (it's free), and search for people and things.  I did a quick look and found 2 articles about a divorce for this woman, in 1923. I didn't have a chance to look in the personal columns for her death announcement. it's really good.
Jude

[jeffreyjoecarroll]

Thanks everyone,

Lily certainly wasn't in any sort of institution at the time of her death. I am aware of her divorce and have seen the notifications. She was instrumental in the founding of the Welford Hospital in Warrick QLD. Welford was her mothers maiden name.

There was 'talk' when I was child that her death was highly suspicious (murder was suggested but never said 'straight out') but all the great aunts and uncles have passed on now and there seems no-one available for a verbal recollection. I know the name of her 'defacto' at the time of her death, but as he may still be living I can't 'publish' it.

I've searched trove extensivley but have never located a death/funeral notice. I've thought about Burwood Police records but am sure they would all be archived and probably not available anyway.

State Records seems the likely spot - I'll investigate with Western Sydney Records.

I'll keep going!!

Again, thanks....I do appreciate your input.

Jeff

[judb]

Hi Jeff

I realise that the death certificate used her surname of BAKER but is there any chance that a death notice or newspaper item may have been placed using a different surname?

I guess you would have searched for this anyway 

Judith

[jeffreyjoecarroll]

Good thinking.....thought of that. Have trawled the newspapers for both names. I remember dad saying that it was all hushed up by her defacto and that he could do that because he was mates with newspaper people.

After having a good think last night, I'm wondering if perhaps Lily committed suicide. Family as they are tend to lay the blame of this sort of action on those close to the deceased. Whatever the outcome it is likely to be a sad tale. I'll continue my search for the paperwork at Records.

Thanks again.

[michinyon]

I would assume it was a suicide.   Carbon monoxide poisoning by car exhaust was quite common in those days.