Constable John FURNAUX

Constable John FURNAUX

Illness

Warialda

1 July, 1908

The following brief article from The Mercury(Hobart)of 5 July, 1908 describes the death of Constable Furnaux, which appears still to be a mystery.

CONSTABLE’S STRANGE DEATH.

The police are making inquiries into the cause of the death of John Furnaux, a constable of police, lately stationed at Warialda. About a week ago he was suddenly taken ill, and came to Sydney for medical treatment. He was admitted to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Monday last and, gradually becoming worse, died on Wednesday. It is alleged that the last symptoms to manifest themselves were similar to those following arsenic poisoning, and the man’s stomach has been forwarded to the Government analyst for examination.

The Sydney Morning Herald6 July, 1908 added the following information.

 

HEALTH FAILING FOR SOME TIME – WARIALDA, Sunday.

Furneaux was stationed here forsome months as a mounted constable. About a fortnight ago he left for Sydneyto be examined by the police doctor as to whether he was capable of performingordinary duty.It is reported that he regularly received remittancesfrom England and was very highly connected, being related to leading Englishfamilies. He appeared to be in failing health for some time. His widowleft for Sydney immediately on receipt of the wire announcing the death. She has now returned, and apparently was unable to get any satisfactoryexplanation as to the cause of death. The deceased leaves three young children.

 

At the time of his death the constable was stationed at Warialda.