DEATH IN GAOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 241, 11 October 1934, Page 9

DEATH IN GAOL.

POISON TAKEN ?

A PRISONER'S EVIDENCE. CONTENTS OF GLASS PHIAL. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Evidence that deceased had possession of a tinv glass phial, the contents of which have not yet been revealed, was given at an inquest on Albert George Oppenheim. who died shortly after admission to Wellington prison 011 Monday night.

James Valentine, a prisoner, said ho arrived at the prison in the police van

with two other prisoner*, of wh'jiu deceased was one. Deceased and himself were placed in the hall, and were the only persons in the hall. Tlisy remained about ten minutes before, a warder arrived. While there he ?aiv deceased take a small glass phial from his pocket, and saw him place it in his mouth. He asked • witness if it wore noticeable, and witness said it vus. Deceased withdrew it from his mout'i, and asked for a cigarette paper. Witness gave -him one, and deceased poured about half the contents of the tube into uie paper. He askad for another paper, and he wrapped this also around the stuff he had emptied out. Witness asked hint what it was, and he said it was cocaine. Witness said he was taken to be searched, and when lie returned he was with deceased about five minutes longer. Me asked him if he succeeded in concealing the stud*, and deceased said he had hidden it between the sheets. Deceased was then carrying his issue and bedding. He did not see deceased swallow anything. while in his presence. Deceased said nothing at any time about committing suicide. The inquest was adjourned.