FATAL MISTAKE

Grey River Argus, 15 September 1937, Page 5

FATAL MISTAKE

lODINE USED INSTEAD OF COUGH MIXTURE. AUCKLAND, September 14. “I find that death was due to iodine poisoning, and that iodine was mistakenly consumed for cough medicine, contained in a similar bottle.” said Mr. F. K. Hunt, Coroner, in announcing the verdict at the inquest on James Roger Williamson, a storeman, married, aged 59, of Mount Eden, who died in Auckland Hospital on Sunday. Evidence was given that the deceased had suffered from bronchial trouble for some time. He had been taking a cough mixture specially prepared for him. On September 4, he was working in the garden at his home, and, while there, he took what he thought to be a dose of cough mixture, but which proved to be iodine. The bottle containing both liquids were stated to be similar, while the deceased also had no sense of smell. After being treated by a doctor for a week, the deceased collapsed, and was removed to the hospital, where he died next day from the effects of iodine poisoning.