RECENT CASE OF ATTEMPTED POISONING.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1389, 29 July 1878, Page 3

RECENT CASE OF ATTEMPTED POISONING.

From the following statement of facts (says the “ New Zealand Times ”) it will be seen that strychnine has been found in O’Connor’s waistcoat. Acting on instructions received from Inspector Atcheson, Sergeant Snrth went to the gaol, and, with Turnkey Donaldson, took somo of O’Connor’s clothes to Dr. Diver’s house, without, as has been stated, previously calling at the police station. Both were in company the whole time, and the things were opened in Dr Diver’s presence. He made a careful examination of the pockets vdth a magnifying glass, and found crystals, which upon being tested, wore proved to be strychnine. Dr Diver noticed something in the watch pocket of a white waistcoat, which ho was the first to examine, and having cut out the pocket, ho discovered strychnine in it. He then recommended that the things should be taken to Dr. Hector, in order that the crystals should he analysed. They were carefully packed up in Dr’ Diver’s presence, and Sergeant Smith and Turnkey Donaldson together took them to Dr. Hector, who has made the following report; — Results of analysis of articles forwarded by the Commissioner of Police, per Sergeant Smith, Wellington. Received 19th July, 1878. Reported ou 2f'th July. I. Folded paper, containing fragments of tobacco, buttons, &c., and a pocket lining, stated to ho taken from a light-coloured waistcoat belonging to O’Connor. 11. A black waistcoat, stated to hc’ong to O’Connor, was shown to me, and marked by mo and from the pocket I removed somo dust and a few crystalline grains that were adhering to the lining. Hi. Folded paper, containing tobacco, a nail, and buttons, stated to lie from the pocket of a dx-ab tweed coat belonging to O’Connor. In articles I. and 11. I found strychnine, but could not detect it in 111. James Hector.