Elizabeth Ellen (1853-26/1/1892) and Ellen/Helen (1880-18/4/1902) Diedrichs. "administered by herself"

We regret to learn that Mrs Diedrichs of the Kokatahi died suddenly yesterday morning. She had, two or three hours before, given birth to a son, the doctor had been in attendance and everything was going on fairly well. Dr James could scarcely have reached town when the deceased lady developed dangerous symptoms and was dead in a few minutes. The greatest sympathy is for her husband, children and relations at her untimely death. Her son-in-law, Mr W. Burrowes, is on his way to apprise Mr Diedrichs, now coming overland from Christchurch.   -West Coast Times, 27/1/1892.

The funeral of the late Mrs Diedrichs, which took place yesterday afternoon, was most numerously attended especially by the country people who mustered in great force. In all some 28 vehicles followed the hearse besides a number of horsemen whilst many mourners, more especially townspeople, followed on foot from All Saints' Church, whither the body was taken. The beautiful burial service of the Anglican Church was conducted by the Rev J. E. Blackburne.   -West Coast Times, 29/1/1892.

Mr H Diedrichs of Kokatahi, has we deeply regret to announce, lost his third daughter, she having passed away at an early hour yesterday morning. The deceased young lady was only 26 years of age and her father and relatives will have the sympathy of many friends in their sad bereavement. An inquest will be held to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, the funeral taking place in the afternoon.  -West Coast Times, 19/4/1902.

At the inquest on the body of the late Miss Helen Diedrichs the evidence showed that deceased had taken a box of match heads dissolved in warm water. The jury returned a verdict according to the medical evidence, "That deceased died from phosphoric poison administered by herself."  -Grey River Argus, 23/4/1902.

There is a mystery - not a large one - surrounding Ellen's death.  References to it are sparse, but one mentions her dying at the residence of Dr Teichelman.  I am not an expert on match head poisonings and do not know how quickly it occurred.  So Ellen might already have been at the doctor's place when she drank the fatal mixture.  Or she might have been taken there once her actions became known but have arrived too late for the doctor to help her.

Hokitika Cemetery.