FARMER’S WIFE POISONED

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1930, Page 9

FARMER’S WIFE POISONED

- A SENSATIONAL SEQUEL NEIGHBOUR DISAPPEARS WIDOW WITH TRAGIC PAST SUGGESTION OF SUICIDE By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 7.40 p.m. London, Nov. 19. A Cornish mystery has taken a startling turn with the announcement by the Chief Constable that Mrs. Alice Thomas, a farmer's wife, of Trenhorne, near Launceston, died pf arsenical poisoning. Mrs. Thomas was removed to Plymouth Hospital on November 4 and died next day. A post mortem examination was held on November 7 and the burial took place the following day, the inquest being delayed pending a medical report on organs removed from the body.

The next development was the disappearance of Mrs. Annie Hearn, aged from 40 to 44. She is stated to be goodlooking, with bobbed hair, and is believed to be the widow of an army surgeon. She was a neighbour and a friend of the Thomases and attended Mrs. Thomas during her illness.and was present at the funeral on November 8.

Mrs. Hearn hired a motor-car on November 11 and went to Looe, a coast resort. She has not been seen since. Search of her house revealed that she had scribbled a form of will, pencilled on a single sheet of notepaper, and pinned, it to the kitchen table. There were also letters, including one from auctioneers concerning the disposal of her property. The police searching the cliffs on November 17 found a coat resembling hers, but they believe she is still alive and are anxious to interview her in reference to Mrs. Thomas’ illness.

Mrs. Hearn’s life appears to be full of tragedy. Her husband is. believed to have died three days after their marriage in 1920. She nursed during their last illnesses her father, mother, aunt, sister and one friend. She has given the best part of her life helping others.