The circumstances surrounding the death of Elsie Alberta Victoria Perry, aged 19 years, of 34 Chessell street, South Melbourne, on October 26, were the subject of an Inquiry by the city coroner (Dr. R. H. Cole) at the Morgue yesterday.
Dr. C. H. Mollison, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said that he came to the conclusion that she died from septic poisoning and shock after a certain event, but he did not form any opinion as to how it was brought about. The girl was not healthy.
Dr. Augustus Ian Green, of 53 St. Vincent place, Albert Park, said that he attended Miss Perry at her home, 34 Chessell street, South Melbourne, on Sunday, October 21. He was informed that the girl had been on a holiday, and whilst away had been ill. Upon his advice the girl was sent to a private hospital. The matter was reported by him to the police on October 20.
The Coroner.—Why did you not report the case to the police before?
Dr. Green.—The circumstances were such that I did not feel obliged to report it previously.
Did it never occur to you that there was anything criminal about the case? — No. I never gave it a thought.
Mrs. Perry, widow, of 34 Chessell street, South Melbourne, said that on Tuesday, October 12, her daughter Elsie went away, stating that she was going to Heidelberg for a holiday. The girl returned home on Saturday, October 23. On the following day she commenced to cry and said, "Oh mother, I did not tell you what I went away for.' Up to that time witness did not know that her daughter was in a certain condition.
Daniel Leslie Canavan, hairdresser, of 235 Clarendon street, South Melbourne, said that early in October he accompanied Miss Perry to the residence of "Nurse" Tucker, 40 Regent street, Fitzroy. He was not aware of the girl's condition until she asked him for £15 to give Mrs. Tucker. The young woman stayed at Mrs. Tucker's for over a week. He handed the money to Mrs. Tucker in the presence of Miss Perry. The coroner recorded a verdict that Elsie Perry died from the effects of an illegal operation, performed by Mary Elizabeth Tucker, who was committed for trial at the Supreme Court on November 15.
'Perry, Elsie Alberta (1901–1920)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/perry-elsie-alberta-15133/text26327, accessed 17 May 2024.