POISON IN MEDICINE

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1930, Page 14

POISON IN MEDICINE

CHILDREN BECOME ILL. CHARGE AGAINST MOTHER. London, Jan. 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 three children. . The hotel staff discovered the children dying, and. they were rushed to hospital,' where; all were saved. lirs. 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 non of an Adelaide Methodist clergyman, Rev. W. A. Langsford, is endeavouring to interest the M ar 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. ■ J Mrs. Langsford replied, “No!” and gave some' to Donald, aged seven, aiid Diana, aged three. • ■ 1 Dr. Taylor, of the- Lewisham Hospital, -said Mrs. Langsford admitted in hospital that she was suffering from poisoning. The mother seemed depressed and worried over domestic matters. She obviously was very fond of her children. Aitor resting she would be fit to resume custody of them and return to Australia; Stella Hodge, tho Langsfords’ nurse, said she camo from Australia with the family. Mr. Langsford tried to raise money on November 25 on the steamer return tickets to Australia. Ho 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 bo most depressed.