Poisoning Suspected In Death After Party

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31584, 23 January 1968, Page 1

Poisoning Suspected In Death After Party

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, January 22. One woman has died and three are in Auckland Hospital —one dangerously ill —having developed suspected food poisoning after a Mount Albert party on Saturday night.

Health inspectors began ai full-scale investigation this| morning as police called on the people who attended the party. About 20 people are believed to have been at the informal function, which was a gathering of old friends. A young married woman at whose home the party was held died early this morning shortly after being admitted

to Auckland Hospital. She was Anne Watt, aged 22, of Waitati Place, Mount Albert. Post-mortem Study A post-mortem examination carried out today continued tonight. The three women in hospital are Mrs Elizabeth Anne Tobin, aged 22, of Hinemoa Street, Birkdale, who was dangerously ill; Mrs Carol Ann Williams, aged 20, of Regina Street, Grey Lynn, who was fairly satisfactory; and Miss Julienne Glenys Taylor, aged 21, a bank clerk, of Mount Roskill, who was also in a fairly satisfactory condition.

The illness has struck only women although a number of husbands were at the party. It is believed food left over

from the party is being analysed. Mrs Watt and Mrs Tobin were admitted to hospital early this morning. After Mrs Watt’s death, detectives began seeking all those who had been at the party. As a result, Mrs Williams and Miss Taylor were admitted and placed under observation.

A hospital official said today that all those who had been admitted had begun vomitting some hours after the party. It is believed that one or two other women developed stomach upsets on Sunday and today but soon recovered. They were examined at Auckland Hospital and discharged. The official said that the illness had not been easily diagnosed.