UNSOLVED MYSTERY

Hawera Star, Volume L, 27 November 1930, Page 9

UNSOLVED MYSTERY

CORNISH WOMAN’S DEATH

POISONING ESTABLISHED DISAPPEARANCE OF FRIEND. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) ' Received 2' p.m., to-day. LONDON, Nov. 26. “I have not the slightest doubt that Mrs. Thomas died from arsenic poisoning. She had a big dose at the beginning of her illness and probably a second dose later,” said Dr. Lister, who attended her.

The doctor added: “It looked as if the poison was not administered by chance; so I ordered her removal to hospital.” The coroner, summing up, expressed the opinion that there was no evidence to show that arsenic was taken accidentally qv suicida-hy. Mrs. Thomas was over-ill to take: a second dose; also there was no reason for suicide as was happilv married and there was no evidence of motive for the administration of poison by her lnisband or Mrs Hearn, who' was equally a friend of both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. There was no evidence of the husband’s .guilty association with Mrs. Hearn, while his actions during his wife’s illness were incompatible with guilt. The husband might have been indiscreet to have Mrs, Hearn frequently visiting the farm and causing gossip; also: with: lending her £3B, but these were only indiscretions. There was no evidence that Mrs Hearn was contemplating becoming a second mistress of. Thomas. Although there was a strong assumption that is lie administered the poison there was no evidence that she indicated which sandwich Thomas should take, or that she poisoned other food. Mrs. Hearn’s letter was capable of two constructions, on© of which was fear at Parson’s remarks,. but it was strange that she Hinped to the conclusion, that Mrs. Thomas was poisoned before the analyst’s report. The evidence also contained other things in her favour. A verdict was returned that death was due/ to poisoning, there being insufficient evidence to indicate by whom it was administered. .

A message on November 24 stated: Keen public interest is being taken in connection with the fortnight-old disappearance of Mrs. Annie Hearn following the. death of her friend. Mrs. Alice Thomas, a Cornish farmer’s wife, in whose organs analysis disclosed a fatal quantity of arsenic. A letter read at the inquest, posted bv Mrs. Hearn from Launceston, Cornwall, to Mrs. Thomas’ husband on November 10, the day she vanished, ran: “Good-bye. I am going out if 1 can. I cannot forget that awful man or the things he said. I am innocent, but she’s dead'; it was the lunch she ate. I cannot bear it. When I am dead thev will be sure I am guilty, but you at least will be clear. 'May your dear * wife’s presence: guard and comfort you still. Sly life isn’t a great thing now that Minnie (the deceased sister of Mrs. Hearn) has gone. My conscience is clear; so I am not afraid. I am giving instructions about selling the things and I-hope you’ll be paid in fi*n.” lit is explained that tihe “awful man” was Percy Parsons, who: said after the funeral': “This poisoning case must be cleared up.” The Thomases and Mrs. Hearn on an excursion on October 18 ate salmon sandwiches provided by Mrs. Hearn, who apparently consumed one but was unaffected. A dose of whisky cured Mr. Thomas of a slight subsequent illness. Mrs. Hearn or Mrs. Thomas .usually provided the sandwiches on such occasions. The latter became ill when her husband was motoring, her and Mrs. Hearn homeward and died in the Plymouth Hospital on November 3 a few hours after her admission. A chemist deposed that Mrs. Hearn bought arsenical weed-killer in 1929. Thomas in his evidence said! he had been married for 20 years. His wife and Mrs. Hearn were good friends and Mrs. Hearn were good friends and Mrs. Hearn prepared the food for deceased for 11 days of her last illness. The police have been incessantly and unsuccessfully searching for Mrs. Hearn throughout England.