POISON FOUND IN BODY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18351, 23 August 1929, Page 9

POISON FOUND IN BODY.

Echo Of Six-Year-Old Death.

VICTIM’S HUSBAND SUSPECTED. (United Pres* Association—By Electrie Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received August 22, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 22. The City Coroner is conducting an inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death, six years ago, of Mrs Marion Pearson, whose body was recently exhumed. A pathological examination revealed traces of poison in the remains. The woman’s husband is at present on remand on a charge of murder. Dr. Turner gave evidence that he treated the second Mrs Pearson at Marrickville, in 1923. He certified that she was suffering from chronic nephritis. Eventually he found her 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 he was responsible, or that there was any foul Play. Walter Fenwick, brother of the dead woman, said she had complained of pains in her kidneys and swelling legs. She refused food. She complained that her husband ill-treated her, and he always used to be scheming. She appealed to Fenwick for protection, and on one occasion Fenwick and her husband came to blows. Fenwick added that just before his sister died, Pearson employed Miss Eleanor McWalker, to look after the house and his wife. McWalker, who is a New Zealander, is now Pearson’s third wife. Mrs Firth, cousin of the second wife, gave evidence that she saw plain traces of ill-treatment on deceased’s legs, arms, and body. Dr. Palmer, Government medical officer, said 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 amount in the bones of the dead second wife. Dr. Chesterman, who attended the present Mrs Pearson, in March, 1929, said she suffered from pains in the limbs and failing sight. Eventually she developed signs of a puzzling nature. He questioned her, and she told him her tea sometimes had a sweetish taste. Her husband told him he had no faith in doctors. Dr. Chesterman formed an opinion that the present wife was suffering from chronic zinc poisoning. The inquiry was adjourned.