THE DEATHS ON THE MOANA.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16432, 28 January 1919, Page 5

THE DEATHS ON THE MOANA.

ENQUIRY CONTINUED. (PEESS ASSOCIATION TELEGBAM.) WELLINGTON, January 27. The enquiry concerning the deaths on the Moana of Dr. Grimm and Miss Isbister, who died daring the voyage from San Francisco from poison taken in lemon 6quash drinks, was continued to-day. Oswald C. Earp Thomas, dental surgeon, a passenger on the Moana, described what lie did when called on deck to see Dr. Grimm and Miss isbister. The teeth of both of them were clenched, making it impossible to ojien their jaws to get to the tongue. The eyes were open and showing tiio pupils, while the breathing was unnatural. Ho did not notice any smell from the lips of the patients,. but on his own hands later on h© detected a smell something like metal polish. . , r William Ives, steward on the Moana, in reply to the question, "Did you say to the chief officer that he had put oxalic acid in?" replied, "Well, I may have, but Ido not remember. I had reason to believe that oxalic acid was used in the drinks instead of sugar. Ho did not know if any oxalic acid was kept in solution in the bar. The oxjuic acid in his possession was in bulk. He could give no reason for having made the .remark attributed to him by other witnesses, that the sugar was next th© oxalic acid in the bar. The pantryman and stewardess gave evidence that they did not hear the second steward say. "My God, I've poisoned two people with oxalic acid instead of sugar." ' V. Bellshaw, second steward, recalled,. sa : d he gave no oxalic acid out for cleaning purposes since leaving San Francisco. To his knowledge oxalic acid in solution was not kept in the bar. , The enquiry was adjourned till tomorrow, when the result of the analysis of the drinks will be ready. (special to "the press.") WELLINGTON, January 27. Among the witnosses was V. Bellshaw, the second steward, who was recalled. • Mr Macassey (for the Crown) : How much sugar did you put in the glass? Witness: About a. dessertspoonful in each. Whom did you give oxalic out to for cleaning purposes: Not to anyone since loaving San Francisco. How is it given out? —In wooden buckets as the men come along_ for it. Mr Jackson: Was oxalic acid in solution kept/in the bar?— Not to my knowledge, sir. It was kept in a wooden box on the floor out of sight of everybody. .... Did you keep any in solution form in a limejuice bottle for your own use? —No, sir, I do not use it. • Did any of- the stewards have oxalic »cid in solution form ?—Not that I know of. I always issued it in crystal Form. ■ - -