POISON IN SAUSAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 26, 1 February 1926, Page 7

POISON IN SAUSAGE.

HOUSEKEEPER'S ALLEGED CONFESSION. "WILL HANG FOR MAN SHE LOVES.' ADELAIDE. January 24. At Bute Courthouse. Mr. D. J. Morris. the coroner, concluded the inquest concerning the death of Rita Annaneft-c Ranke. 32 year.-, which occurred after a meal at the home of her fiance. Robert Leggo Dennis, farmer, at Bute. Hannah Ollie Commons, aged 3.5, housekeeper to Dennis, was present in custody, and her confession which was tendered read as follows:

"I want to say that I put mouse poison ; ,in the sausage which I served to Miss • Ranke on Saturday, 9th January. I had i that poison some time before. I got it ! from the storekeeper. I did it on I account of Miss Ranke coming into the ' home after the way Dennis had conducted himself with mc. I felt I was being ; pushed out. I put rioison in the sausage It was a powder. I kept it in a spare ! room. I make this statement on my ' own accord. No inducement has been ' held out to mc to make it. I have been told not to make any statement, but I desire to do so. I desire to tell the truth. If I hang. I die for the man F love. I have read this statement, and it is true." After evidence had been tendered thp coroner found that Rita Ranke met tier death from poison administered by Hannah Ollie Commons. He committed Commons for trial on a charge of murder. Accused heard the finding unmoved, and in a confident voice said: "1 have nothing to say now. I will reserve my defence."