A Remarkable Case

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1921, Page 1

A Remarkable Case

DROWNED OR I’OISONED,

BY TEI.EG RAIMI —I’ER PRESS ASSOCIATION] HAMILTON, May 21.

Recently Cecil R. Smallfield, a well known stock agent and racehorse owner, disappeared while bathing. The body was recovered a few days later. At the inquest it was stated that the deceased was insured for £15,000. A verdict was returned that death was due to heart failure, duo to his immersion.

Subsequently exhumed portions of deceased’s body were forwarded to the Government analyst for ■ inspection. The result was that the inquest was reopened yesterday. Dr MaeLaurin gave evidence that he had examined portions of the body and found that carbolic acid was present. He handed in a report, one clause of which stated That quite sufficient carbolic acid had been taken by the deceased to cause death.

Keith Howard Chapman, said he went swimming with the deceased on January 26. Deceased was of a bright disposition, and had made no suggestion of any intention to commit suicide. They had been swimming together on a previous Sunday, when deceased had a seizure and had to be helped out. On the last occasion deceased was in a happy mood. Both were swimming when suddenly deceased disappeared. He had been quite rational. Witness did not think deceased would have taken ]K)ison without witness seeing it. Other evidence went to show that deceased was of a cheerful disposition and never mentioned suicide.

Dr Pinfold gave evidence tliat he conducted the first post mortem, and had found no trace of carbolic acid. He did not make any chemical examination. The stomach had been completely empty. He did not believe that deceased could have behaved as he did if he had taken acid. The heart was smaller thaif it should have been. He considered that deceased died of heart failure from shock cause by water and diving. Tt was quite possible that carbolic could get into the kidney through a flesh wound. Witness had conducted many post mortems. Hr. Garland, who was present at the first post mortem, corroborated Hr. Pinfold. They did not discover any sijgns of carbolic poisoning. The 900 grains of carbolic acid was not in deceased at the time of the post mortem. The cheerful attitude of deceased before he disappeared was inconsistent with the taking of carbolic acid. The inquest is proceeding, and is arousing widespread interest.

INQUEST CONTINUED. PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES. HAMILTON, This Day. Tho Smallfiold inquest was continued on Saturday Dr Giesen (Wellington) said death could have resulted from tho cumulative effect of several cl. ses of poison. It could he taken in a form that would not entail discomfort. Two attacks previously were similar to Subday’s attack. This made witness come to the conclusion that deceased was within an ace of dissolution then and made him think poison was taken before Sunday. In answer to Mr Ostler witness said he would suggest that if the man took carbolic acid and this had caused death, he must have taken it prior to Sunday. To the Coroner.--Pe said he had never heard of u man setting out to kill himself by taking small doses of poison at different times A man could be murdered with carbolic acid .but it would he most unlikely Carbolic acid would bo hard to mask. The colour of wine would males a man curious.

The Coroner said it was more likely a man would murder deceased wi'h a view' perhaps of marrying his wUUw and getting the insurance money than that a young healthy man would commit suicide.

Dr Kenneth MacKenzie -'Auckland) said the death of deceased was consistent with heart failure, due to shock, using the term in a wide sense, including exertion. The presence of water in the lungs was consistent with carbolic acid poisoning if a man got into the water after he ceased to breathe. In witness’s opinion the man w'as dead liefore he reached the water. The inquiry adjourned till to-day.