POISON TRAGEDY

Evening Star, Issue 20635, 7 November 1930, Page 2

POISON TRAGEDY

MOTHER KILLS SELF AND SON INQUEST CONCLUDED [Pm United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, November 0. The inquest into the deaths of Mrs Fanny Elizabeth Mary Dunford and her son, Ilhyll Francis Dunford, on October 21 last was concluded to-day before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M. The coroner found that Mrs Dunford died by poison self-administered, and that Rhyll Francis Dunford’s death was duo to poison administered by his mother with intent to procure his death. Dr Arthur Thomson gave evidence that on the morning of October 21 a young woman, Iris Dunford, called at his house saying that her brother was very ill and that hor mother had tried to poison him and herself. The mother had given them sulphur and treacle, which tasted bitter. Iris. Dunford had noticed that it was bitter, and had spat hers out. Witness went to the house at 53 Salisbury street and found the boy in a state of collapse. Mrs Dunford was not in the house. Iris Dunford later collapsed, and both were taken to the hospital. The boy died within a few minutes of being admitted. but the girl recovered. Later the police found the body of Mrs Dunford lu a locked shed at the rear of the house.

Felix John Theodore Grigg, Government Analyst, who had tested samples of the treacle and sulphur given to the boy and girl, said ho had found poison in it.

The evidence of Ids Dunford was taken in the public hospital, where she is still a patient. She described how her mother had tried to force her brother and herself to take sulphur and treaclo. Witness thought hers tasted bitter and refused to take hers. Her mother then tried to force her to take it. Later she heard her brother scream in pain, and she said to her mother: “ You’ve poisoned us.” Her mother replied: “Don’t be silly; he’s only got a stomach ache.” Witness felt sure it was poison, and went for the doctor. Witness assured the court that she had had no recent, disputes with her mother, and that her mother had had no money troubles.