PEARSON CASE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 226, 23 August 1929, Page 7

PEARSON CASE.

INQUIRY IN SYDNEY. TRACES OF POISON. SYDNEY, Aug. 22. The City Coroner, Mr May, is conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death, six years ago, of Mrs Marion Pearson. Mrs Pearson’s body was recently exhumed and the pathological examination has revealed traces of poison in the remains. The woman’s husband, Walter Rufus Pearson ,is at present on remand on a charge of murder. Pearson is further charged with having administered chloride of zinc to his present wife, between April and August 5, with intent to murder. Dr Turner stated in evidence that he treated the second Mrs Pearson at Marrickville in 1923. He certified that that she was suffering from chronic nephritis. Eventually he found _ her to be suffering from advanced kidney trouble. Her condition could have been caused by some irritant poison, but there was nothing in her husband’s attitude or conduct to suggest that he was responsible, or that there was any foul play. Walter Fenwick, a brother of the dead woman, stated that she had complained of pains in the kidneys and swelling legs. She refused food. She complained that her husband ill-treated her and that he always used to be scheming. She appealed to witness for protection and on one occasion Fenwick and the husband came to blows. Witness added that just before his sister died Pearson employed Miss Eleanor McWalker to look after the house and his wife. It was stated that Miss McWalker eventually married Pearson—his third wife. Mrs Firth, a cousin of the second wife, stated that sire saw plain traces of ill-treatment on deceased’s legs, arms and body. Dr. Palmer, Government medioal officer, stated that zinc was not a deadly poison and a fairly large quantity would have to be taken to do any harm. He added that, according to the analyst’s report, there seemed to be an abnormal quantity in the bones of the dead second wife.

Dr. Chesterman, who [attended the present Mrs Pearson in March, 1929, stated that she suffered pains in the limbs and failing sight. Eventually she developed signs of a puzzling nature. He questioned her and she told him that her teu sometimes had a sweetish taste. Her husband told him that he had no faith in doctors. Dr. Chesterman formed the opinion that the present wife • was suffering from chronic zinc poisoning. The inquiry was adjourned.