1:15:19
(Man) Mr Elster, suspecting that all
was not well with his wife's mental state,
1:15:25
took the preliminary precaution
of having her watched by Mr Ferguson,
1:15:29
lest any harm befall her.
1:15:31
As you have heard, Mr Elster was
prepared to take his wife to an institution
1:15:36
where her mental health would have
been in the hands of specialists.
1:15:41
Mr Ferguson, being an ex-detective,
1:15:44
would have seemed the proper choice
as watchdog and protector.
1:15:48
As you have learned,
it was an unfortunate choice.
1:15:51
However, you'll agree no blame
can be attached to the husband.
1:15:55
His delay in putting his wife under
medical care was due to the need
1:15:59
for information as to her behaviour,
which he expected from Mr Ferguson.
1:16:03
He had taken every precaution
to protect his wife,
1:16:06
he could not have known
that Mr Ferguson's fear of heights
1:16:11
would make him powerless
when he was most needed.
1:16:14
As to Mr Ferguson.
1:16:17
You have heard his former superior,
1:16:19
Detective Captain Hansen
from that great city to the north,
1:16:23
testify as to his character and ability -
he was most enthusiastic.
1:16:28
The fact that once before,
under similar circumstances,
1:16:32
Mr Ferguson allowed a police colleague
to fall to his death,
1:16:36
Captain Hansen dismissed
as an unfortunate incident.
1:16:41
Mr Ferguson is to be congratulated upon
having saved the woman's life,
1:16:46
when, in a previous fit of aberration,
she threw herself into the Bay.
1:16:50
It is a pity that,
knowing her suicidal tendencies,
1:16:55
he did not make
a greater effort the second time.