M 158
CHEMICO-LEGAL AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS.
The work under this head done during the year included the following:
1932. 1931. Toxicological Examinations including 43 human stomachs 115 85 Articles for fire enquiries 5 10 Articles connected with corrosive fluid throwing 0 12 Articles for stains 4 9 Counterfeit coin cases 7 5 Counterfeit coin materials 0 24 Bank Notes 1 2 Documents 0 8 Bombs and explosives 9 Stolen Goods 4 Dust 0 1 Well Water 4 0 Other examinations 6 0A considerable amount of work was done in connection with the Victoria Gap murder case, also in connection with the two bomb explosions, one in Yaumati and the other near St. John's Cathedral. In both bomb cases it was possible to ascertain the nature of the explosive used.
Several children showed symptoms of poisoning after partaking of locally made sweetmeats, it was ascertained that an excess of synthetic essences had been used and that the wrapping paper contained aniline dyestuffs which had contaminated the sweets.
During the summer a report was made that attempts were being made to poison wells in the Lok Ma Chau area, samples were taken and in no case was any poisonous matter found in the water. In this connection a specimen of suspicious nature found in one of the wells, was sent for examination it was identified as a piece of carbolic soap, probably dropped in accidentally. Later in the year a specimen was sent from Hoihow in connection with a similar scare, and in this case was found to be a mixture of starch and china clay.