Warning On Disposal Of Poison Containers

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30820, 4 August 1965, Page 16

Warning On Disposal Of Poison Containers

(N.Z, Press Association) HASTINGS, August 3. Thomas Miller, aged 23, an orchardist, was fined £75 by Mr W. K. L. Dougall, S.M., today on a charge of failing to dispose of a container which had held poison. Miller pleaded guilty. Earlier, Miller had faced a manslaughter charge arising out of circumstances which caused the death of his nephew, Anthony Graham Macpherson, aged four. This charge was dismissed. Mr G. Bisson, for the Crown, said Miller had used the poison as a spray. It was his practice to leave the empty poison containers and cans lying around the orchard.

A small child was playing with a drum which had contained poison and had been able to lift the lid. He was splashed with the poison and later died of its effects. Mr B. Grossman, for Miller, said the drums were hidden in among foliage in the orchard. It was very unfortunate that this accident happened during a “smoko” when there were no adults to supervise the children. The Magistrate said he would impose a heavy fine to indicate to orchardists the important and serious conse-

quences of leaving poison lying around. “It is most important that as soon as the poison has been used the empty containers be disposed of immediately.”