Mysterious Death at Eyreton.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5030, 11 June 1889, Page 3

Mysterious Death at Eyreton.

On Sunday two boys crossing a paddock at Byreton cama across the dead body of a Tenth, who it was ascertained, was'ihomas Spriggs, third son of Mr James Spriggs, residing at Eyreton. The body was fully dressed, and lying near a track used by persons crossing the field. There was no sign of a struggle having taken place, and both of deceased’s hands were in his pockets. Information was given to the Kaiapoi Police, and Constable Cartmill, who went out, found the body had not been removed. It appears that on Friday evening deceased left his father's house to go to Mr Thos. Chilton’s farm, where he was employed, and ho had not been seen since. His own family were under the impression during the interval that deceased was at Mr Chilton’s, and Mr Chilton was under the idea that for some reason the youth might have remained at home. It is* said that he had frequently complained of spasms, and death might have been caused from sudden suspension of the heart’s action. Upon searching the body an ounce phial containing between a quarter and a half ounce of strychnine crystals was found. This, it is stated, had Taoen given deceased (o convey to Mr Chilton for poisoning birds or vermin. The cork was placed in the bottle flush with the top of the glass, and it seemed as if ifc would require a corkscrew or some instruct to prise it out. HJwre was no evidence

by marks on the cork or appearances of any loose crystals about to lead one to believe it had been opened, while the person who handed the bottle to deceased states he considers it had not been uncorked, there being a piece of white kid leather hanging from the cork by which this could be decided. Deceased was about seventeen years of age. An inquest will be hold.