POISONING OF GIRLS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2370, 16 June 1892, Page 1

POISONING OF GIRLS.

The following, reported in the London papers by the last mail, will explain the charge of blackmailing preferred against Thomas Neil, an American, reported among recent cablegrams ;--On April 13th Mr Wyatt, Deputy Coroner for NorthEast Surrey, held an inquest at St. Thomas' Hospital relative to the deaths of two young women named Shrivell and Marsh, residing at 118 Stamford street, London, who are supposed to have been poisoned. A mystery surrounded the gase, and considerable excitement was •attached to the occurrence in consequence of a rumour that the deaths were due to poisoning by tii.ned salmon, while it was also alleged that some hours before death some sugar-coated pills were given to the deceased by a male acquaintance. From the evidence it appeared that the women came to London from Brighton with very little means regeipily," and took apartments on March 22nd at the address given. They described themselves as professionals expecting a theatrical engagement, The landlady saw little of them, as they were from the house a great deal. At half-past six on Monday evening the landlady heard cries, and asked what was the matter. They stated that they were both very ill. They had been, they stated, eating some fish, and that pills were given to them. Witness observed a salmon tin on the table, with two plates, and other signs that the girls had had a meal. Miss Shrivell was found at the foot of the stairs, and Miss Marsh Wivs found in her room. They were both suffering, and Miss Shrivei} said, " How is Alice ? Do you think we have been poisoned V* The police were summoned, and the women wero convoyed in a cab to St. Thomas's Hospital. Miss Marsh died in the cab. In the hospital Miss Shrivell said that they had taken tea with a gentlemen the previous. diiy, and he afterwards gave them two pills and accompanied them to their lodgings, remaining with them till 2 a.m. She added that they had some fish afterwards, and also described the man as by the name of " Fred." Several articles were found in Marsh's pocket, including upwards of a sovereign in money. On searching the room the police found a letter from a man m Chatham addressed to Miss Marsh, accepting their i.r.-ivution to tea at Stamford °.troGf, The left '-i- has been sent to the provincial police to assi.it them in discovering the man, The coroner's officer deposed to finding at the ; lodgings a Bum of money, a good st-.>ok of clothes belonging to the girls, and also pawn tickets for jewellery pledged at Brighton, Replying to tho Coroner, the landlady of the house in Stamford street said that the deceased had no visitors to her knowledge. She told the girls they wero Vtjr-y foolish to take pills fpqm a stranger, and they said it wasn't a stranger; it was a doctor. The witness had no complaint to make regarding their conduct. They paid witness 15s per week for the second floor furnished. A medical man who was called to the deceased expressed a belief that death was due to poisoning from strychine, and the enquiry was adjourned to admit of an analysis, being inads.