TRAGIC POISONING

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 428, 12 January 1933, Page 5

TRAGIC POISONING

(Press. Assjp-

MAN DIES AND GIRL IN AUCKLAND HOSPITAL A FATAL DRAUGHT

— By Telegraph — Copyright).

Auckland, Wednesday. A tragic happening at Waitakere this afternoon resulted in the death of J. P. Allen and a narrow escape from death of a girl, aged 16 years. Circumstanees point to the fact that both took poison, believed to have been strychnine. The girl, Florence Annie Goodall, resided with her pshents about, a mile from the Waitakere railway station. The girl's father was foreman at the relief workers camp at. Waitakere. Allen was one of the w.orkers under him, and to-day had the day off. Abont 3.30 this afternoon a neigh- . bour of Goodall's rushed to the camp and summoned him with all speed to his home with the news that his daughter had been taken suddenly ill. It was seen that they had apparently taken poison. Mrs. Goodall was absent for the day. Emergency relief measures were taken and the two sufferers were brought by car to the Auckland hospital. Allen expired as the car was passing along Karangahape Road. Miss Goodall was taken to the hospital and a report to-night showed some improvement, in her condition, Allen was about 38 years of age, married, and had a home. at Ponsonby. It was stated that he had been paying Miss Goodall attention which she did not welcome. This afternoon he took the opportunity of visiting her while her mother was away. Apparently -by offering a draught of wine, he induced the girl to take poison and at the same time drank' some himself.