The Case of the Poisoned Milk

Friday 9 January 1948. The wards were only half-full in Taumarunui Hospital, but with sickness and summer holidays, the nursing team were short-staffed. It meant the senior nursing sisters were having to take on extra duties and were rushed off their feet. The sisters worked quickly that morning so they could have lunch together. Sister Anne Forbes was in the matron’s office typing a report when she saw Sister Fay Phillips rush past and enter the dining room. A few seconds later, Fay leaned around the door, flustered.

“I have just been down to the dining room and there is nobody there.” Anne was about to say that the 12.30 lunch time gong had not yet rung, but was interrupted by the gong’s distinct chime. Fay smiled and rolled her eyes. “Come on then.”

As Fay and Anne left the office, they met Sister Olive Stanton and the trio headed in for lunch. Anne’s sister, Edith Forbes was finishing up in the mens ward and called across to Sister Elspeth Denison. Elspeth was the most experienced of the nursing staff. Aged 43-years, Elspeth had served overseas with the medical corps during WWII. She had only just returned to work after three months absence and was thrust into the role of sub-matron in charge while Matron Stenberg was on holiday. When they entered the dining room, they found the other three waiting for them.

On the table were pitchers of milk and water. Everyone sat at their favoured place, with Elspeth at the head of the table. As Elspeth and Edith were late, they were not surprised to find their glasses already filled with their drink of choice.  

Lunch was served. As the nurses began discussing their morning, Elspeth took a mouthful of milk from her glass and winced. “Ew. What dreadful milk. It’s rotten. It’s bitter!”

Olive Stanton was the only other one who had milk and took a sip of hers. “There is nothing wrong with mine. Tastes perfectly fine to me.”
The group laughed and carried on with their lunch, giving her some good-natured ribbing. Even Elspeth second-guessed herself. She took another swig and made a face. “No. It’s impossible to drink.’ They laughed again and Elspeth could tell they didn’t believe her. Anne Forbes asked, “What does it tastes like?” “I can’t say but it is horrible. Here, try it yourself if you don’t believe me.” Anne took a mouthful and made a face. “This is horrible. It’s just impossible to drink.”

The smiles faded. Elspeth passed her tumbler to Fay Phillips. “Here you go. This is a loving cup. Everyone samples this.” Fay cautiously took the glass and lifted to her lips. Elspeth stopped her. “Wait! Maybe it’s not a good idea. Just go easy with it. There is definitely something the matter with it.”

Fay took a sip. “Bah.”’ She shook her head vigorously. “Yes. It’s bad.”
Elspeth put the glass the end of the table. She stared at the others, jokingly accusing, “There is somebody around here trying to poison me.” The others laughed, knowing she was not serious but curious why it tasted so foul.
As they finished up, Elspeth made a face. “My mouth tastes really bitter. I have had this kind of feeling before.”

Anne Forbes replied, “Well, if that is the case, you aren’t the only one. Me and Fay had some too.”

Edith Forbes added, “I hope that everyone will remember that I came into the dining room after the milk was poured.”

Fay Phillips rolled her eyes. “I suppose everybody will remember I poured the milk.” 

Elspeth asked for some fresh milk from the jug, which tasted normal. She left the dining room carrying the tainted glass, and entered the kitchen to collect the store book when she was suddenly overcome with dizziness. 

Her legs were shaky, everything went blurry, and she did not know whether she would faint or vomit. She staggered to the matron’s office and collapsed in the chair. 

Anne came in a few minutes later, and Elspeth asked, “Can you help me back to the nurses’ quarters? I am not feeling at all well.” She noticed Anne’s pupils were dilated. Anne said she felt very queer. Her mouth was dry and felt shaky in her legs too. Anne assisted Elspeth back to her room and complained as she lay down, “Everything is blurry and that bitterness tastes worse than it was at lunch. I should be right after a sleep.”