Accusation of Poisoning

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 May 1915, Page 4

Accusation of Poisoning

l>. I-'. J. Waldo on Monday held an inquiry, at the City Coroner's Court, into the death of William Carriham, aged 51. of Caiioubury-road Highbury, who died in St. Matholomew's Hospital alter an illness said to have been caused bv a fall from a cart.

Charlotte Uayford. a sister ot the dead man. stated thai on .March 2 her brother dictated to her in the hospital the following letter :- : ' In case of my death, 1. wish to be opened, as I have reason to believe I have been poisoned by my wife, who lined to give me drinks which marie nie in pain. She laughed at me and called mo names.''

Asked where the letter was. the witness stated that her handbag, containing it. had been stolen in a tram-

l)r Gordon O. Kast. ol St. Bartholomew's Hospital, said the deceased was admitted suffering from severe abdominal pain. The case was diagnoseoT"as one of inflammation of the pancreas, and an operation was performed. A post-mortem examination showed that death was caused by syncope dtie to pancreatitis. He did not in any way suspect poison.

The verdict of the jury was that the deceased died from pancreatitis, as a result of his falling out of his van, through tlio harness breaking.

The Coroner said that no suspicion attached to Mrs Garuhain, who replied.—"l know -very well that they will say I poisoned my husband. I have never missed a day in visiting him and I have to work very hard. I had £7.000 when I married my husband, and he has ruined me. 1 cannot bury him. and 1 would not if could."