THE RAILWAY FATALITY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1909, Page 8

THE RAILWAY FATALITY.

ADJOURNED INQUEST. The inquest on the death of Thomas Joseph M'Carthy, farmer, of Masterton, who died in a railway carriage at the Upper Hutt on Monday evening last after a fall from the platform, was resumed to-day before Dr. M'Arthur, S.M., coroner. Sub-Inspector Norwood conducted the ease on behalf of the police ; Mr. P. J\ O'Regan appeared for the relatives of the deceased ; Mr. J. Kemp for the Railway Department. The inquest had been, adjourned in order that an analysis might be taken of the contents of the stomach. James Scott Maclaurin, Government analyst, stated that he had made an examination and found a considerable quantity of strychnine sufficient to have caused death. Mr. O'Regan asked for an adjournment in order to call a witness, who would say he received a telegram from the deceased on the day of his death, asking him to meet him in Wellington that night. He also desired to call Dr. Boyd to give expert evidence. Jessie Olive M'Carthy, widow of the deceased, said the latter was about 60 years of age. ' They resided at Masterton. He had business to do in Wellington on that day, Monday, when he left for the city. He was very unwell. She suggested postponing the trip until the next day. He had enjoyed very indifferent health for years. He complained of pains in the stomach, and frequently had fainting fits. He used to take tabloids. There were some of these at home, and she had sent for some. About three weeks ago he had a very severe attack of his illness in the night. There was nothing to make her suspect he had any desire to commit suicide. He made a good lunch before he left for Wellington, and took one of these tabloids afterwards. He said ha would be back the next day if possible. The inquest" was adjourned until 2.15, when further evidence would be available. On resuming this afternoon, James Scott Maclanrin, Government Analyst, recalled, said he had received some beans which were found on the body of deceased. He tasted them and tested I them. There was no poison in them ; they were ordinary horse bean&. Mrs. M'Carthy, widow of deceased, deposed that about three weeks ago her husband had a fainting fit. He had been ir. bad health for some time past. ' James Boyd, M.D., called by Mr. O'Regan, gave evidence that after hay ing heard and read the evidence of the Government Analyst and other witnesses, he could not see that deceased had died from strychnine poisoning. Strychnine was very frequently taken for medicinal purposes. It was taken specially for heart troubles. Had heard Mrs. M'Carthy say that deceased frequently took medicine in tabloids. Believed deceased died from syncope, arising from a deceased heart and arteries ; a diseased condition of the body, hastened by the accident. The presence of strychnine in the body could be accounted for by the use of that poi?on in his medicine. The coroner returned an open verdict.

"I am sick of hearing this talk about the power o£ labour," said Mr. Will Crooks at the New Zealand Club luncheon to-day. "Fo fifty years in the Old Country working men have had the power, but they have not realised their responsibility for the conditions under which they allow the people to exist." C Smith, Ltd,, ad\crtiso tho arrival of i. speolal shipment ladies' linen costumes m the latest styles and ooleursi