TRAGEDY IN AUCKLAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 399, 17 May 1922, Page 5

TRAGEDY IN AUCKLAND.

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS. (For Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 1(3. Additional particulars of the tragedy at Epsom by which the wife and four children of Janies Arthur Thornton were drowned show that the hath was a small tin one, and could not have contained more than two feet of water. A few blood stains on the floor at the head of the bath are the only indication of the struggle that must have taken place when the mother placed the children there. There is no evidence that Mrs Thornton had intended bathing the children as the soap had not been used. The bodies, which were all found without clothing of any description, boro no marks whatsoever. A search by the iKilieo 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 heighhours 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 Mrs Thornton are believed to have formerly resided in Wellington, but they had been living in Epsom for the past three and a-half years. There is no evidence of any reason for the tragedy.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. AUCKLAND. May 16. The inquest on the victims of the Epsom tragedy was opened before Mr Boynton this afternoon James Thornton, husband of the deceased woman, said ho was married nine years ago. His wife was horn in Donegal, Ireland, ami had been iu New Zealand 16 years. She usually had good health. Witness last saw his wife at 12.30 p.m. yesterday. All the children were there then. She appeared iu her usual health. There was no difference at all. 'One thing struck him as unusual. She said: “Don you love me, dad?” Ho said: “Yes. what makes you say that?”Sho then said: “You love the children, loo?” Witness said: “Why do you say that?” Deceased said: “Oh, I just want, to know.” He said: “Are you in good health, mother?” and sho replied, “Yes. I’ve never Sell better.” Witness returned at 9.45 p.m. The Inquest was adjourned.