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.