POISONING CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1929, Page 6

POISONING CASE

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, Aug. 29,

The inquest on Bunfield (whom strychnine is suspected to have poisoned) was resumed to-day at Queanbeyan, when William Kelly, a neighbouring farmer, deposed that.he had a conversation with Bunfield some time ago, when Bunfield casually remarked that his wife was a very sick woman, being hysterical and neurotic. Timothy McMahon, from an adjoining station, gave evidence that he was summoned to Bunfield’s home on the day that Bunfield died. He saw that Bunfield was very ill. Witness suggested to Bunfield that he was possibly suffering from ptomaine poisoning. Bunfield replied: “It cannot be that.” He then admitted that he ate tinned peaches which tasted “mighty bitter.”

Mrs Bunfield was again too ill to attend the inquest, which was adjourned.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL,

(Received this day at 9. a.m.)

SYDNEY, August 30

Henry Bunfield, aged fourteen, a son of deceased, gave evidence that he opened a tin of peaches. His father served the peaches with custard but Ills mother had no custard. The father became ill shortly afterwards. Harry put his finger down his own throat and vomited. His father said—“ Did you taste anything bitter about those peaches.” Witness replied No.

Airs Bunfield who arrived at the courthouse before the inquiry ended, declined to give evidence. She was committed for trial on a charge of having caused her husband’s death by poisoning.