STRANGE CASE.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16817, 8 June 1926, Page 6

STRANGE CASE.

STOCK POISONED. ARREST AT . KATOOMBA. During the pasL few weeks hundreds of fowls in the Katoomba (N.S.W.) district, died mysteriously, while a horse, goals, aud other stock suffered a similar fate. At first it was thought that some strange epidemic was sweeping through the district, but, after examinations were made, it was found that the stock had been poisoned with arsenic. The poison had been mixed with food, which was thrown into poultry runs and paddocks used for grazing. The police came to the conclusion that some maniac was at work, but, though a strict watch was kept, no trace of "The Poisoner," as ho became known, could he found.

Eventually, Detective-Sergeant Comans, of Police Headquarters, went to Katoomba,. and, after making inquiries, arrested a man who has lived in the district for many years. The man, who is well known in Katoomba, was charged with malicious damage. At his home, it is alleged, the police found a big tin of arsenic, which they confiscated.

The police learnt that a resident of the district recently quarrelled with a number of his neighbours, and, on several occasions, it is reported, asserted that lie would get his revenge, though he did not mention how lie intended to go about it. Some of the arguments he had with neighbours were over the most trivial matters, and those he quarrelled with thouglit he was only joking when he spoke of vengeance. It is said that live slock valued at several hundred pounds lias been poisoned of laic.