SCHOOLMASTER’S DEATH

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17803, 30 August 1929, Page 7

SCHOOLMASTER’S DEATH

CHARGE AGAINST WIDOW. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, August 29. The inquest was resumed to-day at Queanbcyan, concerning the death of Mr. Alec Bunffckl, schoolmaster, whose body was exhumed on August 9 at Michelago, a neighbouring township. Strychnine was found in the remains. William Kelly, a neighbouring farmer, deposed that be had conversed with deceased some time ago. Mr. Bunfleld casually remarked that his wife was a very sick woman, hysterical and neurotic. Timothy McMahon, from an adjoining station, stated that he was summoned to deceased's home on the day Mr. Bunfleld died. Witness could see he was very ill. He suggested to Mr. Bunfleld that possibly lie was suffering from ptomaine poisoning. Deceased replied: “It cannot be that.” lie then slated he had eaten some tinned peaches which tasted “ mighty bitter.” Henry Bunfleld, aged 14, son of the deceased, said he had opened a tin of peaches. His father had served the fruit with custard. His mother did not have any custard. Tlis father became 111 shortly afterwards. Witness put his Anger down his throat and vomited. His father asked him if he had tasted anything bitter about the peaches and lie replied in the negative. Mrs. Bunfleld, who arrived at the Courthouse before the inquest was concluded, declined, to give evidence. She was committed for trial on a charge of having caused her husband’s death by poisoning.