SHOCKING AFFAIR.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1922, Page 3

SHOCKING AFFAIR.

FURTHER PARTICULARS

[ by TELEGRAPH- —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

AUCKLAND, May 16.

When Thornton returned from the City last evening at about 10 o’clock, lie found the doors of his pretty little suburban home, at 11 Garden Road, Epsom, barred; and was unable to effect an entrance. AVhen he left his wife earlier in the day, she appeared in her usual good spirits and expressed no intention of going out. Becoming alarmed he forced tTie front door open and on searching the house found his wife Beatrice, dead in the hath with her youngest child. Eileen Frances, six months old. clasped in her arms. No signs could he found of the other children. After making another hurried search of the house, he communicated with the Epsom Police Station and Constables AValcs assisted in another search of tho premises. Tn a bvedroom the children were found each wrapped naked in a sheet and placed on a double, bed with the lied clothes carefully arranged over them. Nearest to the wall lav James, beside him was Alary, while on the outside lay the youngest sister Evelyn. The unfortunate mother had apparently carried the children and placed them on the bed after drowning them in the small hath room.

Dr Reid, who had also been summoned. pronounced life extinct. The hath wa s a small tin one and could not have contained more than two feet of water. A few blood stains on the Moor at the head of the hath is the only indication of the struggle that must have taken place when the mother placed the children there.

There is no evidence that Airs Thornton had intended bathing the children as soap was not used. The hath was devoid of water. This is accounted for bv the final convulsive movements of the woman’s foot striking the chain and pulling out the plug. Tho bodies, which wore all found without clothing of any description, Imre no mark whatsoever. A search by the police failed to disclose the presence of any poison in the house. Everything was in order and there was nothing to indicate that there had been a struggle or disturbance of any kind. AVhcn the husband left home the wife gave him no indication of any suicidal intentions, and appeared quite normal. It is understood that she had apparenly been in satisfactory hoaltji. although it is believed that she suffered severely at times from her last confinement, six months ago. Her neighbours regarded her as u quiet and industrious housewife. whose conduct gave no indication that she was otherwise than perfectly normal in her actions. Air and Airs Thornton arc believed to have formerly resided in Wellington hut they have been living ill Epsom for the past three and a half years. There is no evidence of any reason for the tragedy.

Best collection of vegetables—A. B. j’loyd 1 and special. SECTION B, DECORATIVE. Collection of Cut Flowers—A. B. Boyd 1 and 2. Best howl of (lowers—A. B. Boydl. Three Ruses—Airs Yarrall ], Airs

Known 2. Any Flower —Airs Bennett 1 A. B

Boyd 2. Best ’Alum—Airs Bennett 1. 'Alum plant Mrs Bennett 1, F Gronfsky 2.

Decorative 'Alum—Airs Bennett 1. Aliss Thompson 2. ’Alum in pot—Airs Bennett 1 and 2. Best decorated table—Airs J. B. Ward 1, Aliss Thompson 2. Best fern- Airs B. Dowell I, Afrs I’almur 2.

The Special Prize for Lost decorated table was won by Airs J. B. Ward. SECTION D.— DOMESTIC. Home-made bread.—Airs Bennett 1. -Airs 11. Thompson 2. Currant loaf. —Mrs Bennett 1. Brown loaf.—Airs Bennett 1. Fruit cake.—Afrs Braddon 1. Pastry. Airs J. B. Ward 1. Shortbread—Mrs .T. Barrowinnn 1. Biscuits.—Afrs A. Keller 1. Mrs Brad don 2, Airs Richards h.c. A'east hulls.—Airs Lukin 1. Oven scones.—Airs Bennett 1. Pikelets.—-Airs A. Keller 1. Sponge sandwich.—Mrs B. Dowell 1. Sponge roll. Airs Braddon 1. Pickles, 3 bottles.—Afrs H. Thompson 1. Home-made jam.—Mrs A. Keller 1, Afrs A. Amlrewcs 2.