TRIAL OF MUNN

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1930, Page 5

TRIAL OF MUNN

DOCTOR’S EVIDENCE

,'Bj Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 1. At the Munn murder trial, Doctor Reginald . Dudding, who attended Airs Munn from February 4th until her death, a week later, giving evidence, said he became “highly suspicious” after witnessing Mrs Munn in a convulsion on the morning of February 11th, and after her death, later that day, lie took a sample of the fluid contained in a cup in Mrs M unn’s bedroom. He was . not satisfied that he had obtained a positive reaction for strychnine, the doctor said, and he therefore later called at the house. Ho then took further samples, both from the cup and from the body of the dead woman. A report on these samples was obtained from an analyist, and, as the result of that report, the matter was reported to the police. Dr Dudding said that in his opinion the cause of Mrs Munn’s death was strychnine poisoning. The case was adjourned. FURTHER EVIDENCE

AUCKLAND, April 2. The hearing of the charge against Arthur Thomas Munn, of having murdered his wife at Northcote, was resumed at the Police Court. Frederick TV. Johnston' (chemist of Northcote) produced his poison register, with an entry on Nov. 25th., sale of stryhnine to'A. T. Munn, Northcote, signed by the accused. Munn said he wanted it to poison rats. Witness gave him instructions how to use the strychnin o, and warned him to destroy who was left over. The packet was marked “strychnine, not to be taken,” and on the other side a red label “poison.’’ AVitness was, asked, did Munn buy further poison from you later? and he replied, “yes, he bought two drams of prussic acid. Munn said that was to poison a cat.”

Mr Meredith (Crown Prosecutor) produced a bottle which witness said was made up for Mrs Munn by Dr Budding’s prescription. He witnessed tests made by Dr Dudding in the dispensary on February 11th. The bottles used were quite clean. AVitness recognised another bottle of medicine made up on Dr Dudding’s' prescription, and said there was no possibility of strychnine being in the medicine., Arthur James Parker (public analyst), said he received four bottles in an attache case from Dr Dudding. The bottles were marked, the first labelled third from a jug; No. 2, fluid from cup; ivn. 8, urine; No. 4, gastric lavage o' washing. He was asked to make a quantitive analysis for strychnine. No. 1 and No. 2 gave negative results. Sample No. 3, urine, gave a distinct positive reaction for strychnine,"probably only a small quantity of alkaloid being present. 'The reaction was a complete one, but the colour was not strong. Asked, “Would the reaction you got leave any doubt in your mind about the presence of strychnine?” witness answered, “not the slightest.” He said No. 4, gave a distinct ; posi tive reaction for strychnine. No.' 3 contained an amount of strychnine just about sufficient for recognition. No. 4. undoubtedly contained 'pioi'e strychnine but in his opinion not a large quantity. His reason for saying, No. 4 did not contain a large quantity was that a preliminary test made with two drams of the sample gave a. very slight indication that there was not a complete reaction. He did not attempt to quantative it. Kenneth M. Griffin, (Government Analyst, -at Ackland) said on February 13th, he received from Dr. Murray a glass jar containing the stomach, portion of the liver, kidney and spleen of the deceased. He also received on the same date from Detective Sergeant Doyle, one small bottle, labelled poison, one bottle of medicine, eleven whole packets of epsom salts, and two broken packets. On analysis, witness found the stomach contained strychnine the amount of purified alkaloid recovered being equivalent to 2-5 of a grain in the whole organ. The total strychnine present in the stomach was probably about twice the amount recovered. Portion of the liver, kidney and spleen were also extracted and definite reactions for strychnine were obtained in each case.

Witness said a fatal dose is given as from half to two grains and it was probable at least one grain of strychnine was present in the body. In another bottle was contained 2-5 of a grain of crystal of strychnine. The hydrochloride medicine and each pack et of salts were tested for strychnine, hut none could be found.