MAN’S WIFE DIES

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1935, Page 7

MAN’S WIFE DIES

ALLEGATION OF MANSLAUGHTER. QUININE FOUND IN ORGANS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Hamilton, May 9. A charge of manslaughter by killing his wife, Alma Cleverley Telfer, aged 21, was preferred against Archibald Herbert Telfer, aged 27, a farmer, Ngahape, in the Magistrate’s Court to-day. The police case alleged that Telfer purchased half an ounce of quinine, from a Te Awamutu chemist on his wife’s instructions. He mixed it with brandy and half an hour after taking the dose she died. . The chemist concerned said that leifer did not disclose for what purpose he wanted the quinine. Quinine was not classed as poison and the layman was not aware that it was poisonous. Mr. K. M. Griffin, Government analyst, said that on examining certain organs of Mrs. Telfer he found 22 i grains of quinine A considerable further amount had been absorbed. It was evident that Mrs. Telfer took a large dose shortly before her death. The medicinal dose of quinine was up to ten grains. There were 437 grains in an ounce. Dr. E. Bridgman, who conducted the post-mortem examination, said that death, in his opinion, was due to quinine poisoning. In a statement to the police Telfer said that he bought quinine for the purpose of procuring a miscarriage. He did not know that half an ounce of qumme would kill his wife. Telfer pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial at the Hamilton Supreme Court.