THE TALUNE MYSTERY,

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 61, 13 March 1901, Page 2

THE TALUNE MYSTERY,

THE POISONING OF CONWAY A

CRUEL MURDER,

STRYCHNINE IN ALL THE ‘ ORGANS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, March 12. Tho inquest concerning the death of Patrick Conway on board tho steamer Talune, was resumed this morning.

ANALYST’S EVIDENCE. The Government analyst deposed as to the result of tho chemical analysis of tho contents of Conway’s stomach, removed by the Government Pathologist, at tho post mortem on February 21st. lie found strychnine present, the quantity amounting to nearly three-quarters of a grain. He also examined the kidney, tho left side of the heart, and a portion of the liver takon from Conway’s body on March socond, after exhumation, ilc found strychnine in all. lie found poison in all the viscera and tlicir contents. There was threequarters of a grain of strychnine in some organs of tho body. It was, lie said, a deadly dose. PATHOLOGIST RE-CALLED.

Tho Govcnamcnt Pathologist was recalled. He said that half a grain would kill a naan. Tho were indications of t-I'3 poison having been introduced by the mouth. The symptoms manifested by Conway when dying were, in the witnesses’ opinion, proof that death was duo to the effects of strychnine.

FULLER EVIDENCE.

THE MYSTERIOUS WOMAN. PATIIOBOGIST’S STATEMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 10.18 p.iaa., March 12. Sydney, March 12. The Government pathologist said that strychnine could iaot readily be takcia with food witliout the taste boiiig detected. If administered in beer it was much more readily concealed. A PASSENGER, Alfred Allen, who worked his passage by the Talune, said that he bccamo acquainted witli Conway a couple of days - after tho vessel left Wellington. Before Conway was seized with the fatal illness, he (witness) saw a lady go forward. A few minutes afterwards she went away again. Shortly after, the same lady, judging by the dress, came forward aga'in. She appeared to have something under her mackintosh. She spoke to Conway, and the two sat down 01a the hatch. Conway then put something to his mouth as if drinking. CONWAY AND THE WOMAN, said witness, sat conversing for about half-an-hour. Subsequently Conway, talking to witness and a companion, and referring to the woman with whom he had been sitting, said, “ That is my laiissus.” Conway handed witness and his mate each a plum, which he said his missus had brought. Ho also said she had brought him a drink. Witness said to Conway, “ It seems funny that the lady should travel saloon and you forward.” Conway replied, “ You savo money—you can never be too careful.” ’

Witness and his coiaipanion wont away For a short time. When they came back Jioy found Conway ill.

AN OPINION. In witness’ opinion, the lady in court (indicating Mrs Smith), judging frona her height and build, was the one he saw sitting on the hatch with Conway. He did not notice her face. Witness himself next morning was seized witli a slight fit, but he did not attribute it to the plum Conway gave him. ADJOURNED. The inquest was adjourned till tomorrow afternoon.