THE SETON MURDER.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1919, Page 5

THE SETON MURDER.

LIFE OF THE RUTHERFORDS, EVIDENCE AT THE XNQUBST,

Received January 27, 5 5 p.m. London, Jan. 24.

At the Seton inquest Mrs. Rutherford declined to give evidence, desiring to Srst consult her husband

Rutherford's maid gave evidence that Rutherford and his wife were not happy. Throughout the day of the murder the wife was in bed, Rutherford having locked the bedroom door. In the evening Rutherford dragged his wife to his bedroom. Witness answered a call, and found her mistress very upset. Rutherford was very cross and told her to pack his bag as lie was going to town. Major Seton used to visit Rutherford a long time ago and was then friendly. Major Seton spent a week-end at Rutherford's in September and again stayed the whole Christmas week- Rutherford was then in France. Mrs. Rutherford had another woman friend staying in her house during the Christmas visit. Major Seton first paid visits at Rutherford's request, and there was no secrecy regarding his subsequent visits. A message was produced ■which Rutherford wrote to his wife after his arrest. It ran: '"I am sorry that the worst possible happen l. Seton is dead."

For this was uL-stitutcd another reading: I am sorry an awful thing has happened. Seton is dead.

The coroner read Mrs- Rutherford's letter urging divorce and offered to Land oyer to her husband the three elder children, adding: "They are happier with you. At least they will give you some hoid on life. I should not feel you utterly broken. This is a difficult letter to write. Please make the rest of the ta=k as easy as possible for the sake of all I have borne for you—Aus.-N.Z Cable Assn.