HUSBAND ON ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

Chronicle (Levin), 16 July 1946, Page 2

HUSBAND ON ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

— Press ■ Association\

POISON PLACED IN MILK BILLY

By Telegraph-

CHRISTCHURCH, July lo. ' William Andrew Smythe, a black-j smith, aged 51, faced a cJiarge of at- J tempting to murder his wife Marlhai Edwards Smythe, 011 June 12, when lie appeared before Mr. McLachlan, S.M., in the Magistrale's Court this morning. Senior Detective F. J. Bradyi prosecuted and ALr. R. Q. Young appeared' for Smythe. Mrs. Smythe said she, married aecus,ed on August 23 last and they -lived iu Edenbridge St reet, Spreydon. Short Iv , after the marriage a disagreement oceurred over drinking and races and on Ohristmas Eve Smythe eame honie after drinking' and threatenecl to cut iier throat. From then on Ihe marriage was not a success and accused left her in yiareh. O11 the inorning of June 12 Smythe caiue to the back door and asked for his things. lie said he would kill luir 'and then kill hiiuself. The linlk billv was at the front door while she was talking to Smythe. Later, with a friend, Mrs. Thornton, she niade a eup of tea with the milk left over froin the previous day. Shortly after wituesn and Mrs. Thornton were in the street when accused eame along on a bicyele and said "Don't drink that milk. It 's jioisoued. " While at Mrs. Thornton' s liouse she received a telegram reading: "Don't forget my warning. — Fred." ; Detective L. D. llarrow field said Smythe had made a stateinent in which he admitted he obtained cyauide and put it in.tlie milk billv at his wife 's house thinking it would kill the cat to which, stated accused, his wife was more fond than of him.