Husband Takes Poison

Northern Advocate, 5 February 1936, Page 6

Husband Takes Poison

Collapsed Before Wife’s Eyes i

[Per Press Association. — Copyright.] HAWERA, This Day. M R CHARLES CLEMENT CAVE, STOREKEEPER, ' OF KAPUNI, COLLAPSED AND DIED ON SUNDAY MORNING.

Mr Cave rose as usual and went to the store, returning shortly afterwards. He collapsed in the presence of his wife, after indicating that he had taken something.

Dr. T. M. Smith arrived shortly afterwards with Constable O’Donoghue. but it was toe- late for remedial measures to be effective.

The inquest into the death of Charles Clement Cave was opened at Hawera yesterday. Decision was reserved. Poison Had Been Taken.

Dr. Smith, of Kaponga, said he was called to the store where Csve was on the point of expiring. He was told that prussic acid had been taken, and witness found the man’s condition consistent with that.

Ada Esther Cave, the wife, said her husband had never complained of illhealth or business worries. She did not hear him say he had taken prussic acid, and she knew of no reason why he should. Her husband always appeared normal. The business was satisfactory, though he had said he could not get the money he would have liked. There had been no domestic trouble. She and her husband had been to Hawera on Saturday, and he could have procured the poison without her knowledge. Seemed Bright and Cheerful.

Marie Cave, a daughter, said she had just returned from her holidays. Her father seemed bright and cheerful on Saturday evening. She went into the kitchen on Sunday morning in time to see her father collapse, after saying good-bye and that he had taken prussic acid.

Edward K. Cameron, an accountant, stated that the business was satisfactory.

Constable O’Donoghue stated that he found two bottles in the shop, one containing prussic acid and the other chloroform. Both were suitably labelled. Inquiries are being made as to the supply of the poisons.