Sydney Charles Rees, (1868-30/4/1912). "going to the store"

A DEALER SHOOTS HIMSELF

MENTAL DEPRESSION. 

Sydney Charles Rees, a dealer who lived in Clark street, North-east Valley, shot himself through the heart at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. His daughter states that her father, who has been acting strangely of late, left the house yesterday, saying that he was going to the store (which abuts the rear), and would be back shortly. He had not been long gone when she heard a shot, and on running to the store found the door locked. She was naturally alarmed, and called in Mr Holmes, a neighbor. This gentleman found the unfortunate man lying against the door, dead, and Dr Fulton, who arrived some minutes later, found that he had shot himself through the heart. 

At the inquest, held before Mr Graham this morning, it was ascertained that the man had been attended by Dr Newlands, who had found him in a depressed state of mind. He had never, however, shown suicidal tendencies.

A verdict of suicide by gunshot during a state of temporary insanity was returned. Rees was 44 years of age and leaves a widow, two daughters, and a son.  -Evening Star, 1/5/1912.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

George McIndoe, (12/2/1872-15/1/1903). "must be drunk or something"

SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

DUNEDIN, January 14.

A man whose name is unknown committed suicide at the Sussex Hotel this afternoon by shooting himself in the forehead with a pea rifle. No one heard the report, and the man was quite dead when found. Deceased, who was about 27 years of age, above middle height, stated that he had come from Clinton. There was no clue to his identity among his effects.  -Press, 15/1/1903.

 INQUEST.

Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., held on inquest yesterday afternoon on the body of an unknown man, who committed suicide in the Sussex Hotel on Wednesday. Mr H. Spiers acted as foreman of the jury. 

John George Green, licensee of the Sussex Hotel, deposed that the deceased come to the house on Monday, the 12th, at 7.30 p.m. He engaged a bedroom for the night, and left his overcoat in the room, but went out shortly after. He did net return till Tuesday night, when he came into the bar and asked for a drink. Witness recognised him, and said, "You're the man who asked for a room last night?" He said, "Oh, yes; but I met some friends, and didn't come back." Deceased then asked if he could have some tea, and witness showed him into the dining room, where he got something to eat. Witness saw him again next day. He was perfectly sober any time witness saw him, and only had two drinks in the house — one on Monday and one on Tuesday. He did not look like a man who drank. He seemed quite sane and sensible. Witness did not ask his name or where he came from. A little after 5 on Wednesday afternoon witness first heard about the affair, and found the billiard-marker in the room, who told him the man was dead. The body was in a stooping position, with the barrel of a pea rifle projecting from under the bed, between deceased's legs. Nobody in the house appeared to have heard the report of the rifle. Witness never saw him bring the rifle in. A flask of whisky was found on him, but he did not procure it in the house; they did not keep that brand.

Catherine Adelaide McBride, barmaid at the Sussex Hotel, gave evidence that she saw deceased come into the hotel on Tuesday morning. He had a drink at the bar, and said he had stayed with friends on the previous night. He came in again about dinner time, and had another drink, and this was the last time witness saw him alive. He told her that he came from Clinton. She thought he was a little peculiar in his manner.

James Pollands, boots, deposed that he was leaning against the door of deceased's room about 3.30 on Wednesday, when it opened. He saw deceased, and turned to the housemaid, who was in the passage at the time, and said, "This man must be drunk or something." He closed the door and went-downstairs. Witness did not go back till about a quarter to 6, when he happened to be upstairs, and opened the door again to tell deceased to go down to tea. He saw deceased was in the same position. As he stooped down to rouse him he saw the gun and some blood. Witness got excited when he saw the blood, and came down for Mr Green. 

To Mr Hally: The housemaid was in the passage when witness first went in, and she must have seen deceased. Witness did not think deceased could have been cleaning the gun, but would not like to say. 

David Fernie, salesman for Laidlaw and Gray, said he recognised the rifle produced, having sold it to deceased on Tuesday night. He came in between 5 and 6 o'clock, and after looking at the rifle bought it, along with a box of cartridges. It did not strike witness that there was anything peculiar about the man. He smelt of drink when he came in, but was perfectly sober. He did not state what he wanted the rifle for. 

Detective Livingstone described the position in which he found the body. He examined it, and found no other marks on it besides the gunshot wound in his forehead. He failed to find anything to indicate the identity of the man. The box of cartridges produced was in his coat pocket. The other things found on him were a flask of whisky, 9s 6d in cash, and a pair of glasses. 

Sergeant Higgins stated that a Berwick resident named Shennon had identified the man as George McIndoe, a farmer at Wairuna.

The Jury brought in n verdict of death from a gunshot wound; self-inflicted, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show whether it was intentional or accidental.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/1/1903.

George McIndoe lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Alexander Russell, (1883-14/11/1903). "on his bicycle"

DUNEDIN, November 14. 

Alexander Russell, a painter, twenty-one years of age, committed suicide by hanging himself early this morning. He complained of feeling queer last evening, and said that he had wandered as far as Mosgiel without knowing how he got there. No other cause save temporary insanity can be assigned.   -Star, 14/11/1903.

SUICIDE BY HANGING.

The body of a young man named Alexander Russell, a painter by trade, was found hanging in an outhouse in King street at an early hour on Saturday morning. Russell, who was only 21 years of age, lodged with a Mrs Ledgerwood, in King street, and returned home about 9 o'clock the- previous evening. He then complained of feeling queer in the head, and stated that he had found himself at Mosgiel with his bicycle in the afternoon, but could not account for how he got there The next morning, about: 7 o'clock, the body of the unfortunate young man was found hanging in an outhouse used for keeping bicycles in by another lodger named Saul. The body was immediately cut down, but life was extinct, though the body was not then cold. Russell's parents reside at Wetherstones, close to Lawrence.

An inquest on the body was held at the Morgue at 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon before Mr C. C. Graham (coroner) and a jury of six, of, whom Mr William Mackay was chosen foreman.

James Lincoln Ledgerwood, presser, Great King street stated that he was a distant relative of the deceased, whose body he identified. Deceased was about 20 years of age, and was a painter by trade. Deceased lived with witness. Witness last saw deceased alive on Friday morning, the latter being then apparently more cheerful than usual. Deceased left home to go to work as usual on Friday. He had never, so far as witness knew, shown, any symptoms of being low-spirited or out of health until Friday night. Deceased did not return home from work at the usual time, but when witness went home about 11 p.m., after being out at North-East Valley in the evening, his wife informed him that deceased had returned home about a quarter past 9 o'clock, and had gone to bed, stating that he was wet and did not want any tea. Deceased afterwards informed witness's wife that he did not know what had gone wrong with him; that he had gone for a ride on his bicycle, and had found himself at Mosgiel. Deceased was unable to account for the fact. He stated, however, that he was all right then, and asked for a cup of tea. A cup of tea and some scones were given to deceased, who told witness's wife not to worry, because he was all right. Witness went into the deceased's room about midnight, when deceased appeared to be sleeping peacefully. When witness got up about 7 o'clock on Saturday morning he noticed that the door of deceased's room was open, and on looking into the room he found that deceased was not there. Witness looked in the house and shed, but did not see deceased. Mr Saul, who lived with witness, went out to the bicycle shed, and discovered deceased hanging there. A neighbour was called in, and the body, which, was hanging by a rope, was taken down. The body was cold, but not stiff, and deceased was quite dead. The body did not quite touch the ground. A small box was on the floor, near the place were deceased was hanging. So far as witness knew deceased had never drunk a glass of liquor in his life. Deceased had intended to start training for bicycle racing on Monday night. 

Arthur Saul, painter, who lodged with the previous witness, stated that he had known deceased for about nine months. Deceased was generally in good health, and witness had noticed nothing extraordinary about him. Deceased returned home about a quarter past 9 o'clock on Friday night, and after putting his bicycle in the shed remained in the scullery for about five minutes, and then went upstairs to bed without speaking to anyone. Witness afterwards took a cup of tea and something to eat upstairs to deceased, who informed witness that he had been working late. Deceased's manner was at that time peculiar, but witness did not think he had had any drink. Witness went upstairs again afterwards; and found that deceased had closed the bedroom door. Witness heard deceased coming down the stairs at a quarter past 5 o'clock on Saturday morning, but he thought at the time that the footsteps were those of Mr Ledgerwood. On ascertaining that deceased had gone out a search was made, and witness found the body in the bicycle shed. Deceased must have taken the keys of the shed from the kitchen.

The Jury returned a verdict that deceased had committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity.  -Otago Witness, 18/11/1903.

Much sympathy was felt for Mr and Mrs Russell and family, of Wetherstones, when it became known in Lawrence on Saturday afternoon that their son Alexander, aged 21, who had been working at his trade of a painter in Dunedin, had committed suicide. On the evidence adduced at the inquest, it appears that up to the Friday previous, when he complained of feeling queer and of having unaccountably found himself at Mosgiel on his bicycle, he had been in ordinarily good health. Deceased, who had learned his trade with Mr Winn, of this town, was an excellent tradesman, and was, we believe, under engagement to return to Lawrence at an early date. The interment took place at Lawrence on Monday afternoon, the funeral being largely attended. The service at the grave was impressively conducted by the Rev. J. A. Will.  -Tuapeka Times, 18/11/1903.

Lawrence Cemetery. Photo from "Findagrave."

William Corson, (1842-27/10/1905). "making boxes"

 SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN.

[Press Association.] DUNEDIN, October 27. 

William Corson, a married man, hanged himself to a rafter in McLeod Bros.' soap and candle works this morning. He had only been taken into the firm's employ yesterday.  -Star, 27/10/1905.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the morgue this morning, before Mr Coroner Widdowson and a jury of six of whom A. P. O’Neill was chosen foreman), on the body of William Corson, who was found dead yesterday, hanging by his neck. 

George K. Westcott, hotelkeeper, said that he was related to deceased by marriage. Deceased was employed on the City tramways until a month ago, and latterly he had been working at McLeod's soapworks. 

Mary Corson, daughter of deceased, said her father was sixty-three years of age. Deceased was out of work for some time, and this had preyed upon his mind. He was with the Tramway Company since the time they started. He had been very morbid of late, and his manner very strange. He was very temperate in his habits. Witness last saw him alive on Thursday night. He did not seem happy then. 

Edward James Dawson, employed at McLeod's soapworks, said that deceased first came to work at McLeod’s on Thursday morning. He was employed making boxes. At ten minutes to nine yesterday morning witness found deceased hanging by a scarf and strap from a beam in the room in which the boxes were made. Witness immediately went for Mr Grace, who cut the body down. Witness then telephoned for Dr Riley. 

Charles Grace, foreman at McLeod Bros.' soapworks, said he engaged deceased on Thursday morning. Witness saw him several times during the day, and noticed that be was very indifferent as to whether he worked or not. He seemed much about the same on Friday morning. When witness handed him the key of the place he said: “Is that other fellow (meaning Dawson) coming over this morning?” Witness replied: “No, not just now, as I want him here for a little while. He will be over presently.” Witness was on his way to the factory where deceased was working when he met Dawson, who told him that the old man had hung himself. Witness at once proceeded to the factory and cut the body down. Life was extinct. There was a box underneath the body. Deceased had evidently stood on it, and then kicked it away. The scarf was round the beam, and the strap, which was round his neck, was attached to the scarf. Deceased was highly recommended when he came for work. 

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide by hanging while temporarily insane.  -Evening Star, 28/10/1905.

William Corson lies (recorded as William Carson) in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Alexander Ronald Macdonald, (1879-20/12/1906). "not afraid to die"

SELF DESTRUCTION.

NEW ARRIVAL'S END. 

[PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN, December 20. 

A. R. McDonald, apparently a recent arrival in the colony, shot himself with a pea rifle in Bathgate's Bush at Mornington this afternoon. A note addressed to the Police Department was found by his side, stating: "A court of enquiry is not necessary. I have shot myself. I have not been feeling very well lately. Late address, Lochtockavaig Isle, Ornsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland. Wish to be buried under the flag of my country." Deceased had evidently been a member of the South African constabulary.   -Hawera and Normanby Star, 21/12/1906.

DESPONDENCY AND SUICIDE

AN EX-CONTINGENTER'S SAD FATE.

The death under tragic circumstances at Mornington on Thursday evening of Alexander Ronald Macdonald formed the subject of an inquiry at the Morgue on Saturday by the city coroner (Mr C. C. Graham) and a jury of six.

Alexander McPherson, timber merchant, of Roslyn, stated that he first saw deceased on Monday last, when he introduced himself to witness in the latter's office in Moray place. He claimed to be a distant relative on the maternal aide, and witness, after questioning him, came to the conclusion that he was right. He appeared to be in good health, but slightly peculiar. Witness took him out, and they had a cup of tea together, after which deceased went home with him to lunch, staying also to tea. He did not appear to be hard up — in fact, he gave one of the children a shilling to buy lollies with. In the course of conversation deceased gave his age as 27, and stated that he had been in the South African war. He was rather despondent as to his prospects in life. 

A letter addressed to Mr George Gordon, Geraldine, South Canterbury, was found on deceased, and this was read by the coroner. "Comrade dear," ran the letter, "I am very sorry to have to tell you that I have shot myself. I do hope you will never arrive at this. I am not afraid to die; not a bit. But I feel very sad. It would be my own wish that it should not be reported in the papers. But I don't suppose I can stop that. I would die happy if I had seen the old home once more. I am sendind my little sister my discharge from the war." He enclosed a sprig of heather and also an order for some photographs taken in Invercargill which he wished sent Home addressed to Miss Mary Macdonald, 73 Goran road, Glasgow, Scotland. A postcription was as follows: — "I do not still believe there is a hell as it is described in the Bible. 1 will say a few words of prayer in real earnest. I will choose a quiet place, so that I can have a good shot at myself, without anybody interfering. Also, I hope it is a man that sees me first. I don't wish to frighten any woman. I will now have a biscuit or two — my last meal — then I will post my discharge and have my last look at Dunedin. ... I will not post this letter, before I ____ in case I might not muster enough courage. The thought of taking other life is as nothing to what it is to take your own." 

William John Cox, a boy residing at Glen road, Caversham, said he saw deceased carrying a pea rifle last Thursday evening. 

Robert Alexander Bremner, motorman, of Mornington, deposed to finding the body of the deceased lying in Bathgate's Bush, Neidpath road, at 7.25 on Thursday evening. The man was lying on his back, his coat and vest folded under his bead. By his side there lay a pea rifle and a box of cartridges.

 Constable Power said the body was not quite cold when he saw it. There was a gunshot wound on the left breast. The shirt and the skin of the body almost directly over the heart had been blackened by gunpowder smoke. The pea rifle contained a recently-discharged cartridge. It was evident from the marks it bore that the cartridge had been struck three times before it exploded. There were a number of letters and papers on the body and £2 in money. A pencilled note on an envelope addressed to the Police Department read as follows: — "A court of inquiry not necessary. I have shot myself. I have not been feeling well lately. I wish to be buried under the flag of my country. — A. R. Macdonald." He gave his address as Tockervaig, Isle of Skye, Scotland.

The Coroner, in summing up, pointed out that it was clear, both from the letters and from the evidence, that the man was evidently in a very despondent condition, and not in his right mind. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of unsound mind."  

A HIGHLAND FUNERAL. 

Yesterday afternoon, the last sad rites were performed in connection with the interment of the late Alexander Ronald Macdonald, whose untimely death at the end of last week cast a gloom over the Highlanders of the city. The Rev. Duncan Maclennan, M.A., minister of Chalmers Presbyterian Church, conducted the funeral services in English at the premises of Mr John Gillies, the undertaker, and in Gaelic at the grave in the Northern Cemetery. It being understood that the deceased was a stranger in a strange land, the Gaelic Society had an office-bearer present at the inquest prepared to take charge of the remains and ensure that all details in connection with their interment should he done decently and in order. It was found that Mr Alexander McPherson, a distant relative of the. deceased, was also present, and he and his brother heartily joined with the society in carrying out the necessary arrangements The funeral was well attended by Highlanders, many of them hailing from the Isle of Skye, to which place the deceased belonged. The young man having in the letter left by him expressed the wish to be buried under the flag of his country; his wish was literally complied with, the coffin being draped with the Union Jack until lowered in the grave. It could be mentioned that the deceased had served in the South African war, and that loyalty to the Empire was a ruling passion even strong in death. There were evident signs of grief among those who followed the remains to their last restingplace in view of the pathetic circumstances of his death. Special prayer was offered for bereaved relatives in the Home Country as yet all unconscious of the sad loss they had sustained.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/12/1906.

Samuel William Gibbs, (1862-13/8/1898). "no regular sleep"

 SUICIDE AT DUNEDIN.

(By Telegraph — Press Association.) 

DUNEDIN, this day.

Samuel Gibbs, accountant, in the employment of Messrs John Edmond and Co., ironmongers, committed suicide yesterday afternoon by shooting himself with a revolver behind the ear. It appears that ha had been suffering from diabetes and had been much troubled of late. by insomnia. He leaves a wife and two children. He was an active and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity.  -Auckland Star, 13/8/1898.

SAD CASE OF SUICIDE.

About 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, Mr Samuel William Gibbs, who was well-known as an accountant in the employ of John Edmond and Co., committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver at his residence in Cargill street. For some time past the deceased gentleman had been suffering from insomnia. He had lately been under the care, of Dr Ogston, who advised him to take a rest. He did so for a time, but seemed to be unable tp keep away from his office, and against the wish of his medical attendant he returned to work on Monday. He, however, was at home yesterday, and about 4 o'clock his wife and servant, hearing a report as of firearms in his bedroom, went to the room and found him lying on the floor with a revolver by his side. He was bleeding from a wound in the head, and had evidently shot himself behind the left ear. Dr Ogston was immediately sent for, but on arrival he found that life was extinct, and expressed his belief that death had been instantaneous. The deceased was about 37 years of age, and leaves a wife and four children, his wife being a daughter of the late Mr Isaac Martin, tailor, who for many years carried on business in Princes street. Deceased took an active interest in Masonry, being a member of Lodge Otago Kilwinning, of which he was auditor. His death has been reported to Mr. Coroner Carew, who will hold an inquest on the body this afternoon.   -Otago Daily Times, 13/8/1898.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held on Saturday afternoon by Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of six, of whom Mr J. Connor was chosen foreman, concerning the death of Samuel William Gibbs, who shot himself on Friday afternoon. The inquest was, held at the residence of deceased, in Cargill. street, and the following, evidence was given: —

Alice Gibbs identified the body as that of her late husband, who was born in London, and had been about 20 years in this colony. He was 37 years of age, and was accountant in the firm of John Edmond and Son. He had not been well for the last three or four months, and had been attended by Dr Ogston. The doctor said his trouble was a sort of breakdown caused by sleeplessness. He had only been at work intermittently of late, having been at home on several occasions, once for a fortnight. He was only at work on Wednesday of that week. He kept his bed on Friday and the day before and on Tuesday. He constantly complained of his head. He took medicine, prescribed, by Dr Ogston, to induce sleep, and also got some laudanum. He was very much depressed on Friday morning, and complained very much of his head. On Thursday night, he took a sleeping draught and changed his usual bedroom for one which would be quieter. Witness last saw deceased alive at about 8 or 10 minutes to 4. She was in his bedroom, and deceased complained about his head, and said he thought he might get some rest if she went away and kept the children quiet. Witness went away to her own room. After she had left her husband about five minutes she heard a noise which she took to be the report of a gun, and she went at once to her husband's bedroom, where  she saw that her husband had shot himself. Mr Ling came to the house within five minutes of the occurrence, and Dr Ogston was sent for. Witness did not know that her husband had a pistol in the house. She had never seen him with one. She had never noticed anything to indicate that her husband's mind was deranged, except that in his sleep he was continually adding up figures. That never happened when he was well. Deceased had had no regular sleep for three or four months, and that was the only thing to which she could attribute the deed. 

Patrick Ling, butcher, residing in Cargill street, deposed that he knew deceased. On Friday afternoon Mrs Gibbs's servant came over to witness's place with the two children, and afterwards came again and told him that he was wanted at Mrs Gibbs's. Witness went over, and was told by Mrs Gibbs that Mr Gibbs had shot himself. She showed witness into the bedroom. Deceased was on the floor with his two arms extended. He was dressed in shirt, trousers and slippers. Witness saw deceased was lying on his stomach, and there was a great deal of blood under his head. The revolver was lying near the right hand. Witness raised deceased, and found a wound in the head at the back of the left temple. Witness felt the heart, and found the slightest pulsation, and said to Mrs Gibbs that deceased was dead. Nothing was done after that till the arrival of Dr. Ogston. Witness reported the matter to the police. 

Dr Ogston deposed that he had known deceased for seven or eight years. Attended him on Monday, when he was suffering from sleeplessness and headache. Witness prescribed a sleeping draught for him, and advised him to rest for a day or two if he could. He said he could hardly do it, as it was balancing time. Witness had seen him in a similar condition twice before, and a couple of nights sleep had put him right. Deceased was very much upset at the fire at Edmonds's, and suffered a good deal. He said on the Monday, that he had not quite recovered from the effects of that fire He was a nervous man, who took things anxiously, and always seemed to have too much on his mind, which seemed to be overburdened. Witness came to the house of deceased on Friday about 20 minutes past 4 o'clock, and found the body lying in the back room.as described by last witness. There were no marks of any struggle. On the sheet at the end of the bed nearest the body there were a few drops of blood, just about where the revolver was lying. If deceased had been sitting on the bed, or leaning against it, he could have fallen as he was found. Witness found a wound on the left side of the head, about an inch above the left ear, and a little behind it. The scalp wound was very large, as if the scalp had been somewhat torn away from the skull. In contrast to this the bullet wound was very small, merely admitting the little finger. There was no exit wound, but the bones at the opposite, side of the head seemed to be shattered. There was bleeding from the right ear, and evidently into the eye sockets. From this witness judged that the weapon had been fired at point-blank distance — quite close. The bullet had blown up the skull instead of penetrating it. The wound could have been self-inflicted. Deceased was a very nervous man, and was easily upset and excited, and worried about his work. He was not insane from a medical point of view, but had, to a certain extent, lost command of himself. Witness knew that the took everything excitedly. It was not an uncommon thing for suicide to follow insomnia. The act was not the act of a man of sound mind. The mind was unhinged by sleeplessness to a certain extent at the time. One chamber of the revolver had been exploded; and the bullet from that would cause the wound. 

William Fraser Edmond stated that deceased was employed with his firm as accountant. He had been irregular in attendance at the office lately, and witness understood that it was owing to his being unwell. He had been on the best of terms with witness. So far as witness knew, there was nothing wrong with his accounts.

To a juryman: Deceased practically made his own hours, and did his work well. He took an interest in his business. Witness mentioned that two competent accountants had given it as their opinion that an accountant could do deceased's work and have a couple of hours a day to himself. 

The Coroner said the evidence went to show that the cause of death was a gunshot wound, and it was for the jury to say whether it was self-inflicted. There seemed to be no other way of accounting for it, and if the jury found that that was so, it was for them to say what state of mind deceased was in at the time.

After a few minutes' consultation, the jury returned a verdict that deceased died from a bullet wound self-inflicted while temporarily insane from sleeplessness.  -Otago Daily Times, 15/8/1898.

Samuel Gibbs lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

James Murphy, (1844-23/4/1894). "of eccentric habits"

The police have been informed that a labourer named James Murphy has been missing since Monday last from a two-roomed cottage in Walker street, in which he lived by himself. On the night of the previous day, Murphy, in company with a man named John Galbraith, also a resident of Walker street, purchased 1oz of laudanum from a chemist in Princes street. The missing man, who is described as being of eccentric habits, left the door of his cottage locked and his belongings are all inside the house. He is an Irishman, about 50 years of age, about 5ft 5in in height, and dark complexion and with dark hair, and a full black beard and moustache.  -Otago Daily Times, 30/4/1894.

The body of James Murphy, aged fifty, was found in the harbor yesterday. Deceased, who had been residing in a email cottage oft Walker street, by himself, had been missing since April 23. The day before he had purchased a small quantity of laudanum. The case is evidently one of suicide. He had been under medical treatment for six months.   -Ashburton Guardian, 7/5/1894.

INQUEST.

At the inquest held yesterday afternoon on the body of James Murphy, whose body was found on Sunday near high-water mark at Anderson Hay, the evidence of George Elson went to show that deceased was an Irishman, and lived in one of witness's cottages in Walker street for about twelve months. He was a single man, a laborer, and was missed from his house on the 23rd ult. On the Saturday week after deceased was missed a letter addressed to the inspector of police was found in his cottage. The letter was dated on the 24th ult., and the writer charged four persons with being responsible for his death, and expressed a hope that God would have mercy on their souls. — John Rentoul, assistant to Mr Loasby, chemist, said that deceased went twice to the shop on Sunday, the 22nd of last month, and asked for 1s worth of laudanum. Witness told him he could not supply him unless he had witnesses, and he then went away and came back in the evening with two men, and again asked him for laudanum. On being asked what he wanted the laudanum for deceased replied that he wanted it to make him sleep. He was then supplied with the laudanum, and told not to take more than fifteen drops. Murphy and one of the witnesses signed the poison book. — John Galbraith, who accompanied deceased to the chemist's, said that he (deceased) seemed quite sensible. — Dr Martin deposed that he attended deceased eight or ten months ago, and last saw him about the 23rd of August. He was a hypochondriac, and fancied he had a great many complaints, but they were imaginary. That was often the first indication of insanity. If deceased did write the document produced he (Dr Martin) would think he was of unsound mind at the time when he wrote it. The body must have been in the water over a week. Witness could not say whether the body was alive or dead when it went into the water. — The jury returned an open verdict.  -Evening Star, 8/5/1894.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.