POISONING MYSTERY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1929, Page 3

POISONING MYSTERY

PEARSON’S WIVES. (Australian Press Association; SYDNEY, Aug. 22. The City Coroner may be conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death years ago of Mrs Marion Pearson, whose b-d., was recently exhumed. A pathological examination has reveaied traces oi poison in the remains. The woman’s husband is at present on remalid on a charge of murder. SYDNEY, Aug. 22. Doctor Turner gave evidence that, lie had treated tne second Mrs, Pearson at MarricKviile in 1923. He certified chat she was suffering from chronic nephritis, and eventually he. found her to be suffering froih advanced f kidney tiouble.’ -Her condition vcoulcL have been caused by sonie irritant poison, but there was nothing in her husband’s attitude of conduct to suggest that lie was respaneiule, or that there was any foul play. Walter Fenwick, brother of the dead woman, said she had complained of pains in her kidneys, and swellings in her legs. She refused food, and complained that ther husband ill-treated her, and that he always used to be scheming. She appealed to Fenwick for protection, and on one occasion Fenwick and her husband came to blows. Fenwick added that just before his sister died, Pearson employed Miss Eleanor McWalker to look after the House and his wife, McWalker, who is a New Zealander, is now Pearson’s third wife. Mrs Firth, cousin of the second wife, gave evidence that she saw plain traces of ill-treatment on deceased’s legs, arms and body. Dr Palmer Government Medical Officer, said zinc was not a deadly poison, and a fairly large quantity would have to be taken to do any harm; adding that according to the analyst’s report there seemed to be an abnormal amount in the bones of the dead second wife. Dr Chesterman, who attended the present Mrs Pearson in March 1929, said she suffered from pains in her limbs, and failing sight; and eventually she developed signs of a puzzling nature. He questioned her, and she told him her tea sometimes had a sweetish taste. Her husband told him he had no faith in doctors. Dr Cliestermah had formed the opinion that the present wife was suffering from chronic zinc poisoning. The inquiry was adjourned.