WIFE’S DEATH

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1935, Page 5

WIFE’S DEATH

Abortion Attempt

HUSBAND CHARGED. (Per Pres*’ Association). HAMILTON, May 9. A charge of manslaughter by killing his wife, Alma Cleverley Telfer, 21 years of age, was preferred against Archibald Herbert Telfer. 27 years, a farmer of Ngahape, in the Magistrate’s Court to-day. The police led evidence to show that the accused purchased half an ounce of quinine from a Te Awamutu chemist. On his wife’s instructions he mixed it with brandy, and half an hour after taking the dose she died.

The chemist concerned said that the accused did not disclose for what purpose he wanted the quinine: Quinine vas not classed as a poison, and an ordinary layman was not aware that it was poisonous. K. M. Griffin, Government Analyst, said that on examining certain organs of the deceased he found 224 grains of quinine. A considerable further amount had been absorbed. It was evident that the deceased took a large dose shortly before her death. A medicinal dose of quinine was up to 10 grains. There were 437 grains in an ounce.

Dr. E. Bridgman said that death, in his opinion, was duo to quinine poisoning. In a statement to the police Telfer said that his wife was in a certain condition. He brought the quinine for the purpose of procuring a miscarriage. He did npt know that half an ounce of quinine would kill his wife. The accused pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial in the Hamilton Supreme Court.