Inquest Verdict At Auckland (Press, 26 July 1949)

The inquest into the death of Alfred Edgar Edney, a 60-year-old dancing teacher, concluded on 26 July 1949 with the Coroner returning a verdict of suicide by a self-administered overdose of sleeping tablets. Edney's body was discovered on 21 May in a flat next to his studio. Eyewitnesses testified about bloodstains found in his living space, and witnesses indicated he had been injured prior to his death, specifically noting a blackened eye. William Jeffrey-Adams, a close friend of Edney for 14 years, stated he had never seen Edney show romantic interest in women, noting his temperamental and artistic nature. The discovery of a note left by Edney addressed "For you, Bill," accompanied by £200, suggested premeditated intentions; Adams was the only "Bill" close to him who did not owe money. The Coroner’s investigation noted that Edney had been in New Zealand since 1914 and had served in the First World War, where he was later pensioned. Senior Detective W. R. Fell highlighted that Edney was associated with male pupils, with 21 stating he had acted inappropriately, which led some to discontinue lessons. However, there was insufficient evidence to confirm a motive for his death. The toxicology report indicated 6.6 grains of nembutal found in Edney's system, and Dr. F. J. Cairman confirmed the cause of death as nembutal poisoning. The circumstances around his death indicated a fatal dose was consumed close in time to an injury incurred from an unknown assailant, but police found no firm evidence linking the assailant to a clear motive or identity. The Coroner suggested Edney's decision not to seek help after his injury and subsequently consuming the sleeping tablets indicated he was aware he was taking a fatal dose, possibly to escape an impending scandal. The presence of unexplained blood and an untraced visitor during his last hours seemed to indicate foul play; yet, it remained uncertain whether this was linked to a potential suicide. Ultimately, the Coroner's conclusion stressed that Edney had indeed opted to terminate his own life, even without any clear evidence of why. Insufficient assistance was sought after the injury, leading to the belief that Edney made a conscious decision to die.

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