WOMAN'S DEATH AT RUAWARO

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20989, 18 October 1933, Page 13

WOMAN'S DEATH AT RUAWARO

TRACES OF POISON FOUND SEARCH FOR HUSBAND FRUITLESS (PSES3 ASSOCIATION TELEGBAIi.I AUCKLAND, October 17. A sensational development in the death of Mrs Christobel Lakey, who was found dead with her face immersed in a duck pond at Ruawavo, occurred to-day, when Dr. Waddell, of Hamilton, and Dr. Macfarlane, of Huntly, discovered traces of poison in the body during the post-mortem examination. Beyond stating that traces of poison were found, and that the circumstances of Mrs Lakey's death were suspicious, the doctors and the police were very reticent. The contents of the stomach were forwarded to Auckland for analysis. The search for Samuel Pender Lakey, the dead woman's husband, was continued to-day. Superintendent Till visited Huntly last night. As a result of his consultations, the police already engaged on the spot arrived at Lakey's farm this morning. Detective Snedden was in charge, assisted by Detective Allsopp. Ten constables and nearly 20 settlers thoroughly and systematically searched the farm and adjoining properties. Particular attention was given to a large area of scrub and tea-tree fringing Lake Whangape. The search, however, was fruitless. The only trace found was a smoking pipe, believed to be the property of the missing man.