POISONING MYSTERY

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1929, Page 5

POISONING MYSTERY

THE INQUEST VERDICT.

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, August 23.

The Pearson inquest was resumed

Mrs Eleanor.. Pearson, the present wife of Pearson, when called by the Coroner, was informed that she was privileged to. refuse to give evidence if she so desired. Mrs Pearson replied: “I don’t see that anything that I can say will assist you. I would rather not give evidence.”

Airs Pearson then left the box. * * Detective Quinn then gave evidence. He stated that he had ip heir viewed Pearson after his arrest, and had said to him: “I,am going to search your house.” Pearson replied: “ You won’t find any poison.” Pearson added: “I have been married three times, my first wife dying of pneumonic influenza. I have been very unlucky with wives. We aIJ have poison in our bodies.” , • Detective Quinn further deposed that Uf>nrs"n’<! nresent wife was also interviewed while she whs an inmate of the Sydney Hospital. She stated til)a.t Pearson asked her to marry him after his second wife’s death. She demurred ! when Pearson said: ‘‘l have taken a fancy to you. What would your people think if they kndw that you were living under the same roof as me after my wife’s death?” She. became, very worried ns she Tiad been reared in a very strict manner, and she agreed to marry . him. She had lmd excellent health until last March, when slie became ill. Her. husband used to. bring her ten, which was too sweet. She complained, and he replied on one occasion: “It is a pity I married you, as I could have got somebody with money.” Then, while she was in the hospital, her, husband said : You won’t live! You will die like the other one!”.

After/(further evidence, the Coroner gave his verdict. ; He. found that, the second wife died in October, 1923: that her body contained zinc, but whether her death was caused by the administration of such poison, or from . some other cause, lie was unable to say.

Pearson was then acquitted of murder, but' he was remanded on She charge of attempted murder of his present wife.