Supposed Death from Poisoning.

Manawatu Herald, 28 July 1903, Page 3

Supposed Death from Poisoning.

MAN FOUND DEAD IN THE SWAMP. On Saturday night information was brought to town that a man named William Tomlinson had been found dead in the swamp near Kereru. The deceased was engaged in draining for Mr Jas. Symons, who occupied a hut with two other men, Thos. McNeil and William Adams. On Saturday evening Tomlinson, who had a contract at which he worked alone, not arriving at the hut at the usual time, they became anxious, and decided to visit the spot where deceased was draining, and ascertain the cause. It being dark when they arrived at the spot, they had some difficulty in finding their mate, but by the aid of matches he was at last found lying in a hole near the hank of the drain where he had been working. It was noticed that the ground had been kicked up for some distance away from where the unfortunate man laid, showing that he had violently struggled before death overtook him The appearances evidently pointed to a case of poisoning, and it was thought deceased succumbed from eating tinned food of some kind. At the time of finding deceased had his coat on, and it is supposed about the middle of the day, not feeling well, had left his work with the intention of returning to his home Deceased was a capable drainer, and was well known in this district. He has been in* the colony about eighteen years,

and was about 45 years of age, and is believed to have no relations In the colony. An inquest was to be held at Levin yesterday, where the body was taken at o’clock on Sunday morning, after much difficulty.