Pahiatua Poisoning Case

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 87, 21 January 1892, Page 2

Pahiatua Poisoning Case

(per press association.) Pahiatua, This Day, The inquest on the victims of the poisoning fatality, which will be resumed at six o'clock this evening, will probably be concluded about midnight. Ten witnesses are to be examined. The evidence of Dr Skey, Government analyst, and Mrs Naylor, in whose house the wedding took place, will have the most important bearing on the case. Arsenic was found in the stomach of the deceased, but not the slightest trace of poison of any kind was discovered in the various articles of food forwarded to the Government analyst. It should be mentioned, however, that none of the lamb which is supposed to have contained the poison could be procured for analysis, the remains of the dish having been thrown away before the symptoms of the guests became alarming. Evidence will be given to show that a cat and a dog which picked up the meat and ate it were attacked by severe fits of vomiting, but that they recovered shortly afterwards. Mrs Naylor's evideace will go in the direction of showing there is reason to believe the poison was put in by design, and that the sad affair was not the result of accident. The police have made eyery effort, but have been unable to ascertain where the poison was purchased. Dr Skey, and Dr Milne who attended the deceased, Eidd, the local chemist, and Mrs Naylor, who will be called in the order named, are expected to be able to throw most light on the occurrence.