THE AUCKLAND TRAGEDY.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 4591, 17 May 1922, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND TRAGEDY.

NO APPARENT REASON. (Per Press Association.) - Auckland, May 16. AA’ith regard to the tragedy of Mrs Thornton and her four children, further particulars say that a few blood stains on the lloor at the head of the bath (which is a very small one), are tho only indication of the struggle that must have taken place when the mother placed the children there. There i s no evidence that Airs Thornton had intended bathing the children, as the soap had not been used. The bath was devoid of water, but this is accounted for by one of the final convulsive movements of the woman’s foot striking the chain and pulling out the plug. The bodies, which were all found without clothing of any description, bore no marks 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 there had been a struggle or disturbance of any kind. When the husband left home, the wife gave no indication of suicidal intention, and appeared quite normal. It is understood she had apparently been in satisfactory health, although it is believed she suffered severely at times prior to her last confinement six months ago. The neighbours regarded her as a quiet and industrious housewife, whose conduct gave no indication that she was otherwise than perfectly normal in her actions. Mr and Airs Thornton are believed to have formerly resided in AA 7 ellington, but they had been living in Epsom for tho past three and a half, years. There is no evidence of any reason for tho tragedy.