| Committed for Manslaughter.
An inquest was held at the Star Hotel, Redfern this morning , as to the cause of death of Mary Louisa Bignell, aged 35 years, the wife of William Bignell a tailor, residing at 28, George-street, Redfern. They had been married 13 years, and have no family. Dr. Dansey deposed that he was called in on Sunday, the 4th instant, by William Bignell, to see his wife. Found her sitting on her bed with her knees towards her chin. She was covered with a sheet and holding in her left hand underneath her knee a teacupful of brandy and water. She was in a very low state, suffering from the continued effects of drink. Witness prescribed for her, and ordered the husband on be account to give her any more spirits, for if he did it would kill her. He was not called in to see deceased. Had made a post mortem examination on Saturday,and found the heart enlarged, fatty, and flabby. The liver was of a pale yellowish colour and about three times its natural size, The membranes and other vessels of the brain were congested. The cause of death was exhaustion, consequent on continued intemperance. Senior-Constable Anderson deposed that from information received he went to Bignell's residence on Friday afternoon, and found deceased lying on the bed dead, and no one in attendance on her. He went to look for Bignell and found him drunk. Brought him to the house and told him to remain there until be returned. On his return, in about two hours, Bignell had left the house and did not return until 10 o'clock next day. He was then drank. Witness examined the house and found no nourishment in it except a little coffee without any milk. He arrested Bignell on Saturday night for being drunk Charles Lamell, a bailiff , deposed that he had had charge of Bignell's premises under an execution from the 7th inst. until the evening of the following day. While there saw Bignell bring in spirits and give, then to his wife on several occasions. Did not see him give her beef tea or any other nourishment. Witness objected to Bignell giving his wife brandy, and he replied, "Oh, a little drop wont hurt her,". She was then evidently dying when witness left, and Bignell was under the influence of liquor all the time witness was there, and was not in a fit state to be at large. Bear was brought into the house and Bignell wanted his wife to drink some, but she would have nothing but brandy. Mary Henry, residing at 48 Turner Street addicted to drinking to excess for some time. For the few days preceeding Mrs. Bignell's death witness saw him supply her with brandy several times during the day. He used to give her sixpennyworth at once. Had remonstrated with him and told him it would kill her, but it had no effect. For about a fortnight previous to her death she had no nourishment, nothing but brandy. Catherine Lynch, residing at 48, Turner-street, also gave evidence to a similar effect. The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against Bignell, who presented a very nervous and shaky appearance, and was apparently on the verge of delirium tremens. He was removed in the custody of the police.
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