Obituaries Australia

Attractive 18-year old Susan Oyston, who fell to her death from the roof of the National Bank, Collins St., yesterday morning, had packed her bags ready to go away on holidays today.

An English girl, Susan lived with her mother, stepfather, and younger brother in a charming old-world cottage in Raleigh pl., Prahran.

Susan, who was employed by the bank as an office girl, fell from the top of the nine-storey building as workers were streaming to business along the busy street below.

The girl landed 15ft. from the main entrance of the bank, and was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital a few minutes later. She was dead on arrival.

Police said yesterday they were puzzled by the girl's fall.

Susan arrived at the bank at 8.30 a.m., about 15 minutes early, and was seen to travel in the lift to the ninth floor, where the ladies' lockers and the roof entrance are situated.

At 8.40 a.m. two workmen on the north side of Collins st. saw the girl crash to the roadway. But no witnesses have been found who saw Susan leave the roof edge.

A policeman who went to the roof later found Susan's coat neatly folded near the parapet.

Susan's mother, an English repertory actress, who has appeared in Victorian theatres recently, said last night: "There is no doubt that Susan's death was accidental."

"She had her bags all packed to go to Cairns for a holiday, and was looking forward to it eagerly."

"There is nothing odd about her going to the roof. She often went there in the early morning, and in her lunch-hour to enjoy the sunshine and the breeze."

Neighbors of the dead girl said last night that Susan was highly respected by all who knew her. She was quietly spoken, smartly dressed, and of a reticent nature.