MUNN ON TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1930, Page 5

MUNN ON TRIAL

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

AUCKLAND, May 17

This morning Dr Gilmour, pathologist, said that the only possible conclusion was that Mrs -Munn died of strychnine poisoning. She must have had a dose on February 4th to produce the attack described by the witness, Mrs Gill, and another dose on February 11th to produce the fatal result. He concluded that the woman had had a dose between the two visits ol the doctor on the Friday.

Answering the foreman of the jury, the witness said that a severe dose would cause a convulsion, but a small dose might only cause twitching. t Dr Mi Ison also gave evidence, and was cross-examined by Mr Northcroft, who sought to show that Mrs Muim might have taken the strychnine herself for an unlawful purpose, even though she was mistaken regarding her position. The doctor said lie never heard of strychnine being taken for such a purpose. AUCKLAND, May 19.

The murder trial was resumed tins morning. Evidence was given concerning the property held by Muiin and his wife.

Detective-Sergeant Doyle was then called and repeated his lower Court evidence concerning the interview with accused, including the finding of a bottle marked, poison in a top drawer of duchess in the room where Mr Munn died. Witness said he asked Munn: “Is this vour drawer?” and Munn replied “Yes.” i Immediately witness lifted the bottle, Munn said: “That’s It.”

Witness asked Munn how the bottle got into the drawer and Munn replied that ho did not know. The last time he saw it was in the pantry about a fortnight before. Witness said there were no finger prints on the bottle. Detective Doyle said he took a second statement from Munn on February loth, and again saw him in March, and' when he arrested him Munn expressed surprise and commented what is the evidence like. Witness refused to discuss that and Munn said: “I told you I bought the poison. I called a doctor and did everything for the damn woman. Can I get bail?” Accused was then taken away while witness and Detective Power remained in the house. In a jewel drawer in a duchess in the bedroom witness found

a small bottle (produced) containing two small pills. The label had the name of Miss Harney written on it and the chemist’s name, G. S. Shaw. Ine instructions were, one pill to be taken after meals. The pills were now being analysed. Witness said the pills were certainly not in the drawer when he searched the room on February 12th. the day after Mrs Munn’s death.