Drink and Poison

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 June 1911, Page 3

Drink and Poison

FEMALE DIPSOMANIAC'S END

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MELBOURNE, June 13

An unusual tragedy occurred yesterday at Fitzroy. A woman named Miss Ford died in the hospital, as it was supposed, from natural causes. This morning Miss Ford's sister, a Mrs Russell, was found dead on a piece of vacant ground. The police inquiries disclosed the fact that 'both women had died from poison. Both were addicted to driai, and Airs Rußeell had tried hard to keep drink from her sister, who was in delioate health. She threatented several times to "fix" her unless ahe abandoned the habit.

Last night by drinking with some companions Ford got some liquor in epite of her sister's efforts. Russell then said she would "fix" her, and gave her something to drink. Ford became ill, ana was removed to the hospital. Russell then told her companion that she had poisoned her sister, and she herself Soon afterwards disappeared. (Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.)

MELBOURNE, Thi Day. Mrs Russell attempted to commit su/icide two years 'by throwing herself into the Yarra, hut was rescued, -and then promised not again to attempt suK-ide unless she was sure 'her sister would not .s'.n.i'.r in consequence. She .said she knew she was not alwavs able to connuer the impulse of sdf-clestniction. She felt her sister alone was unable to lift from t ,, ** debasement into which she was falling.