MURDER OF THREE CHILDREN, AT COLNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8020, 6 August 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

MURDER OF THREE CHILDREN , AT COLNE.

Excitement was caused in Colne recently by tho fact becoming known that Mrs. Harriet Ruehton, wife of Gaorge Rushton, weaver, Leuches, Colne, had hanged her three children, named Mary, aged seven years ; Martha Ann, aged fivo years ; and John Hindle, nged two years. From what can be elicited, it appears that Mrs. Rushton aad her husband wcro out marketing, and having transacted their business, ho told his wife to go home, adding that as soon aa he had paid hia contribution to his club he would alao como home. This was somowhero about four o'clock. She went home, procured a rope, and hanged tho children up till thoy were dead. ISome timo after she went to her siatera, aud reported the occurrence, but for some timo credence to her story was refused. Ultimately a search was made, and her i statement waa found to bo correct. Dr. Idesoii was sent "for, but the children were then dead. Tho mother was at once arrested, and placed in tec Colno cells, under tho care of two policemen and one or two relatives. For some timo past Mrs. Rushton's demoanour has been strango. The husband, John lvushton, a weaver, is quite overcome with grief at tho Bad occurrence. Tho parties were married six or suvea years ago, and Beem to have lived happily together, aud to have manifested much affection towards thoir children. It Is believed she took tho children upstairs one by one, and strangled them with part of a clothes line, which was lying about. Sho then laid them side by side in bed, and arranged the clothes neatly over them. The general impression la that the accused committed the act ia a state of un3ound mind, and this was tho viow taken by tho coroner's jury. Before the magistrates at Colno the prisoner was committed for trial to tho Manchester asaizss on tho charge , of wilfully murdoring her three children. ' The evidence waa similar to that adduced at the inquest. It was stated that the prisoner had been Buffering from ill-health for nino weeks. She had been greatly distressed at the health of her children, being under tho impression that they wero dying. Thia had pressed greatly on her mind. Dr. Ideaon said the children wb** w";y healthy, i