Cornish Mystery

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 428, 20 November 1930, Page 7

Cornish Mystery

WOMAN DIES BY POISONING FRIEND’S DISAPPEARANCE I By Telegraph—P><iss Association—Copyright.] Received Nov. 19, 9.15 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 Trenhornc, near Launceston, died of arsenical poisoning. Mrs Thomas was removed to Plymouth Hospital on November 4 and died on November 5. A post mortem was hehl on November 7, and the burial took place the following day, the inquest being delayed pending a medical report on the organs removed from the body.

The next development was the disappearance of Mrs Annie Hearn, aged 40 to 44. She was stated to be goodlooking, had bobbed hair, and was believed to be the widow of an army surgeon. She was a neighbour ami a friend of the Thomas’, attended Mrs Thomas during her illness, and was present, at the funeral on November 8. She hired a motor car on November 11. and went to Looc, a coast resort, and has not been seen since. A search of her house revealed that she scribbled a form of will pencilled on a single sheet of note paper, which was on the kitchen table, together with letters, including one from auctioneers concerning the disposal of her property. 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 Hearne’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 gave the best part of her life in helping others.