POISON IN MEDICINE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 84, 20 January 1930, Page 8

POISON IN MEDICINE

CHILDREN BECOME ILL. CHARGE AGAINST MOTHER, LONDON, January 7. Mrs Eva Langsford, formerly of » .1.1 '•.!■„ 1 n Wnnluilm. ftp Arte lino

LONDON, January 7. Mrs Eva Langsford, formerly of Adelaide, and a Bachelor of Arts, has been committed at Woolwich for trial at the Old Bailey, on a charge of attempted murder. The police gave evidence that Mrs Langsford, while staying, at a hotel in Eltham. tried to poison herself and her throe children. The hotel staff discovered the children dying, and they were rushed to hospital, where all were saved. Mrs Langsford is believed to have been worried to distraction owing to family troubles, culminating in her husband leaving her with many unsettled bills, including the hotel account. She pleaded not guilty. The Langsfords came over from Adelaide in 1928. It is understood that the husband, who is a son of an Adelaide Methodist clergyman, the Rev. W. A. Langsford, is endeavouring to interest the'War Office in an invention. Helen Langsford, aged nine, giving evidence, said that while the nurse was out her mother tried to give her something with a spoon, saying that it was medicine. Helen refused to take it, and asked if she was trying to poison her. Mrs Langsford replied, "No!" and gave some to Donald, aged seven, and Diana, aged three. Dr. Taivlor, of the Lewishani Hospital, said'Mrs Langsford admitted in hospital that she was suffering Lorn poisoning. The mother seemed depressed and 1 worried over domestic matters. She obviously was very fond of her children. After resting she would be fit to resume custody of them and return to Australia. Stella Hodge, the Langsfords' nurse, said she came from Australia with the family. Mr Langsford tried' \.r, raise money on November 25 on the steamer return tickets to Australia. He was absent from home for three days, whereupon Mrs Langsford set off for London to get news of him and raise money. She returned to Eltham, saying that the tickets had been sold. She appeared to be most depressed.