SUDDEN DEATH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2264, 8 October 1891, Page 1

SUDDEN DEATH.

Wellington, Oct. 5,

Mrs Mary Cook Backhouse, the wife of a wharf labourer, died suddenly on Saturday night under strange circumstances. She had been ailing for some three months, and according to her husband’s statement to the police went out on Saturday afternoon and returned wilh a bottle of medicine, of which she took a dose. Her husband remonstrated, but she said she would take it, kill or cure. She remained in her usual health till just before ten, when she complained of a pain in the side, and a few. minutes later expired. Two doctors were sent for, who took possession of the medicine. At the inquest Mr M. Sheehy, chemist, was represented by counsel. Deceased’s husband said she paid 4s 6d for the medicine, but did not toll him the name of the chemist. He did not know whether she took more than one dose. He remonstrated with her for buying expensive medicine when they had a lodgedoctor, who had already been attending her. She had not told him she was enciente, and he did not know she was in that condition. He did not recollect telling the police his wife had threatened to get rid of her unborn child. He had been married nine years, and had two children. His wife was always delicate, and came back from Sydney three months ago. She had been complaining since. Michael Sheehy, chemist, said he sold the deceased two bottles of medicine, the first on the 26th. She said she was not strong, and her healah irregular, and she could not tell whether she was pregnant or not. He merely prescribed the usual tonic for such symptons as she described, and no man could say there was anything deleterious in it. After hearing the evidence of Drs. Martin, Butement, and Fell, the inquest was adjourned till Tuesday week, to allow the medicine to be analysed.