Robert Ingram Stewart, (1886-9/1/1907). "could not help it"

SUICIDE AT SOUTH DUNEDIN.

A man named Robert Ingram Stewart, aged twenty-one, residing with his parents at 75 Oxford street, South Dunedin, committed suicide at his home some time late last night or early this morning. He was last seen alive about eleven o'clock last night, when he was with his brother in the kitchen. Early this morning his body was discovered lying on its back in the yard, fully dressed, with a bullet wound above the right ear and a loaded sixchambered revolver, one chamber discharged, lying between his legs. Deceased had been employed as a striker at Reid and Gray's foundry until three months ago, since when he had been out of work. He suffered from severe mental depression, and had been under the treatment of Dr Macpherson for about a year. Deceased left a letter to his parents and members of the family in which he said: "Extremely sorry, but could not help it. Was overcome with depression. You have done all you can for me." An inquest on the body is proceeding as we go to press.  -Evening Star, 9/1/1907.

INQUEST.

An inquest was conducted yesterday afternoon, by the coroner (Mr C. C. Graham, S.M.) on the body of Robert Ingram Stewart, who shot himself the night previous at his parents' residence, 75 Oxford street, South Dunedin. 

Dr McPherson deposed that he had been attending deceased for some time for mental depression, and he was not surprised at what had happened, as deceased was in a fair way to becoming a melancholic. Deceased complained that he was unable to take any interest in his work or anything else. On his advice deceased went into the country for a change in October last, returning after three weeks. In November he attended deceased for an attack of influenza, which aggravated the depression. He would not go so far as to say that he thought deceased was of unsound mind at the time of death. 

Henry Manning Stewart, deceased's father, said deceased had left his employment on account of the state of his health, Though physically strong, he suffered from great depression of spirits. He had once previously threatened to do away with himself just before going away to the country, showing his mother — who was advising him to look after himself — a revolver and saying that if she said any mere to him he would blow his brains out. Witness last saw deceased alive at about eight o'clock on Tuesday night, when he seemed in his usual condition. 

Charles Bradlaugh Stewart, brother of deceased, said that deceased and he usually occupied the same bed. Deceased had once previously said to him: "I think I can get to Australia, and if that doesn't cure me I think I will cure myself some other way." Witness construed that to mean that unless he got better he would do away with himself. Witness knew that deceased had a revolver, and on discovering that his brother suffered from a mental disorder advised him to throw it away. Deceased subsequently said he had done so. On Tuesday night witness left his brother in the kitchen at about 10.45, and went to bed, deceased stating that he wished to write to a friend in Central Otago. At about 4.30 next morning be discovered that his I brother had not come to bed. He found the light burning in the kitchen, and saw deceased's body in the yard outside. He informed his parents, and then notified the police. 

Constable Dark, stationed at South Dunedin, gave evidence as to the notification of the police and the examination of the body. He stated that Mr and Mrs Jenkins, neighbors of the Stewarts, heard a shot at 11.15 p-m. on Tuesday, but did not pay much attention to it.

The jury returned a verdict of suicide by shooting while in a temporary state of insanity produced by despondency.  -Evening Star, 10/1/1907.

Robert Stewart lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Edward Gibbs, (1856-10/3/1907). "the pain he was enduring"

 SUICIDES.

Little expecting to witness a gruesome spectacle, Mr S. P. Leith, in company with Mr J. Hogg, entered his livery stables in Manor street shortly after eight o'clock yesterday morning, and there found the body of Edward Gibbs, a groom, hanging by the neck. Dr Gordon Macdonald was summoned, and pronounced life extinct. The body was accordingly removed to the morgue by the police. Gibbs was fifty-one years of age, and of late had been in bad health and greatly depressed. These facts no doubt furnish the cause of the man's action, for the circumstances point to suicide. Mr Leith last saw his groom at eleven o'clock on Saturday evening. Gibbs lived by himself on the premises. An inquest was to have been held by Mr Widdowson, coroner, at five o'clock this afternoon.  -Evening Star, 11/3/1907.

SUICIDE BY HANGING.

An inquest was hold at the Morgue yesterday afternoon on the body of Edward Gibbs who was found dead on Sunday morning hanging by a rope from one of the rafters in Mr S. P. Leith's livery stables in Manor street, where he had been engaged as a groom. Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., acted as coroner, and Henry Thomas Trevena was chosen foreman of the jury. Station-sergeant King represented the police. 

Dr Gordon Macdonald stated that he was called to Mr Leith's stable in Manor street about 8.30 on Sunday morning. He found the body of the deceased hanging by a rope from one of the rafters. The body was quite cold, and the man had evidently been dead for some two or three hours. There was a box under his feet. The deceased had evidently stood on this, and after fastening the rope round his neck jumped off it, or kicked it away. His feet were just off the ground.

Samuel Pellett Leith said that deceased had been employed at his stables as groom, for the past 12 months. Deceased slept in a room in the stables. Witness last saw him alive about 11 o'clock on Saturday night, when he appeared to be in fairly good spirits. For the past three months deceased had been very melancholy, and appeared to be fretting over something, and had often said that he was tired of this world. Apart from that he had never said anything to witness to indicate that he contemplated suicide. 

David John Stuart Robertson, farmer, residing at Tomahawk, said he last saw deceased alive at the stables door at about 12 o'clock on Saturday night, when he (witness) called to get his horse. Deceased was then in a fairly cheerful mood. 

John Gibbs, a son of the deceased, said his father had frequently complained to him of being in ill-health. That appeared to worry him a good deal. A week ago deceased said that with the pain he was enduring he could lay down and die. On Saturday night he complained of being worse than ever he had been. Witness had been informed by Dr Long, who had attended deceased, that his father was suffering from a stroke of paralysis and lumbago, and was generally run down. Deceased's wife had been dead for some years. 

Evidence was also given by John Ogg, alter which the jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased had committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity.  -Otago Daily Times, 12/3/1907.

Edward Gibbs has no recorded resting place.

William Millar, (1867-28/8/1907). "ruined in body and soul"

A PRISON TRAGEDY.

PRISONER HANGS HIMSELF IN A CELL. 

The Dunedin Gaol was the seen© of a distressing tragedy to-day, when a man named William Millar, aged forty, a recent arrival from Scotland, who was arrested last night on a charge of being drunk and incapable, hanged himself with the leather belt he had been wearing. Millar was brought before the magistrate, Mr C. C. Graham, this morning at 10.30, and was remanded for a week for medical treatment, his condition being such as to make it evident that he had been drinking heavily for some time. At twelve o'clock Millar received his dinner in his cell at the prison, and ate the greater part of it. At one o'clock Warder O'Reilly looked into the cell, and found Millar suspended by the neck from a small hook in the wall, about five feet from the ground. The man, who was considerably over five feet high, had fastened himself to the hook by his belt, and deliberately strangled himself. 

Apparently the cause of the suicide was the acute depression produced by over-drinking. It is known that Millar was in no financial difficulties. So far as is known the man has no friends or relatives in Dunedin.  -Evening Star, 28/8/1907.

A PRISON TRAGEDY.

THE INQUEST ON MILLAR.

An inquest touching the death of William Millar, who hanged himself in the Dunedin gaol yesterday, was held this morning before Mr C. C. Graham (coroner) and a jury of six of whom Mr Charles Henry Hayward, was chosen foreman. 

Dr James Watt deposed that he attended the deceased professionally on the evening prior to the suicide at his home, and saw him again at the gaol the same evening. Deceased had been drinking, but was not under the influence of drink at the time. From conversation Millar appeared to be depressed, not only from drink, but also from a certain illness. When witness saw deceased again at the police station, at the invitation of the police, be was in a state of depression, and thought the doctor was going to smother him. Witness saw no signs tint would lead him to think that deceased contemplated suicide. 

To Sub-inspector Norwood: Judging by the man’s demeanor he came to the conclusion that deceased was suffering from drink. He thought that it was not a case to be sent to the hospital. He thought that the man should have been placed in a padded cell. 

To Dr Coughtrey: The onus of the treatment of such cases should not be thrown upon the police at all. All cases of insanity should be treated in a properly equipped hospital, provided with observation wards. That was the course pursued in the Old Country. 

John Miller, licensee of the Oban Hotel, deposed that he had known deceased since the latter came to the colony in May. Witness had no previous knowledge of the deceased. Deceased remained six weeks with witness, and then went down to the Nuggets, where he remained for six weeks. He returned to the Oban Hotel a fortnight ago last Monday, and remained with witness ever since. Deceased, on his return, was not drunk, but looked as if he had been drinking whilst he was away. Deceased told witness that he had been away fishing and walking. He told witness that he was well off financially. On his return at seven o’clock on Monday night he had tea, went out, and returned at half-past ten, very intoxicated. He did not snow any signs of mental incapacity until the afternoon of the 27th. About six o’clock on Monday night he said he was suffering from some serious disorder. Witness then took deceased to Dr Watt, where they discussed the advisability of sending him to a private hospital for treatment. During his stay witness used to take him for walks every morning. Witness used to discourage him from drinking, but it was no good, as he simply went away from his hotel and returned under the influence of liquor. Witness never anticipated that the deceased would commit suicide. Deceased came from Paisley, where he had two sisters living. It was not until Tuesday that he behaved in an eccentric manner. Witness identified the body as that of the man Millar who had stayed at his hotel.

Constable Lopdell said that about 8.50 on Tuesday night he was in the Salvation Army Barracks, Dowling street, and during the progress of the meeting the deceased came in and called one of the officers, who referred the constable to deceased. They went to the street and had a long conversation. The deceased said that he overheard two doctors say they were going to smother him, as he was a menace to public health. His reason for calling at the Salvation Army was that he knew he was going to die, and he wished to make his peace with his God. He was in an excited condition, and was perspiring very freely. He smelt strongly of stale drink, but did not seem to have been drinking at that immediate time. From what deceased said he had been drinking heavily. He said that last week he had been on a spree, but had not had a drink since Tuesday morning. He only knew the actual nature of the disorder he was suffering from that morning (Tuesday). When he was advised of his condition by the doctor, he said he was ruined in body and soul. He said he was to be smothered at nine o’clock. Witness assured deceased that he would be protected over that time, and brought him to the police station. At the police station witness was instructed to call Dr Watt, who had previously attended the deceased. Dr Watt arrived at nine o’clock. The draught which the doctor left was administered by witness. The deceased was placed in the padded cell, and was visited frequently during the night. Deceased gave his age as forty, and said he was a bank clerk in Scotland. He was a single man, and arrived in the colony in May. He had no relatives in the colony. Witness thought the man was suffering from delirium tremens, and charged him with helpless drunkenness, which was the usual charge in each cases.

Sub-inspector Norwood deposed that when the deceased was brought to him at the police station the latter was in an excited condition, and was sweating profusely. When questioned he admitted drinking to excess, and said that be had obtained the liquor about town. He was placed in the padded cell, and instructions were given for his safe keeping, and, if necessary, to call in Dr Watt. Deceased appeared much better the following morning, and was brought before the Court on a charge of drunkenness and remanded for a week for medical treatment. On arriving in the colony his bank book showed that he had £400, but witness could not say bow much had been spent. After being remanded deceased was handed over to the prison authorities.

Edwin Glover, the Gaol clerk, deposed that at 11.3 yesterday deceased was brought to the gaol. Witness conversed with him, and could see no signs of mental aberration. Witness was informed by Sergeant Willis, who conducted the prisoner to the gaol, that he was suffering from some disease. On returning from his lunch witness went to his office, and at 1.3 the warder informed him that Millar had hanged himself in his cell. The doctor was telephoned for, and witness and the gaoler went to the cell, where deceased lay on the floor. The straps which had strangled him had been removed, and there appeared to be no signs of life. Everything was done to produce artificial respiration. Dr Coughtrey arrived at 1.12, and pronounced life to be extinct. 

To the Coroner: There is no padded cell in the gaol or I would have put the prisoner there.

Thomas Chilton, principal warder, deposed that he asked deceased how long he had been drinking, and was informed “about a fortnight.” Deceased behaved in an ordinary way, and walked up and down with the others. Witness gave instructions that Warder McDonald should take in the prisoner’s dinner. McDonald was on duty during the lunch hour. The strap (produced) witness recognised as one which the deceased had worn. There went no suspicious noises.

James O’Reilly, warder, deposed that he was in charge of the yard between 11 and 12. It was his duly to walk up and down the yard outside the ceils. At about ten minutes to twelve deceased was given his dinner, and seemed quite calm and collected. At about one o’clock witness visited the cells and half opened the doors, so that the dinner tins could he placed outside. Witness specially visited the prisoner because he was a new man, to tell him to come into the yard. Deceased appeared to be sleeping in the corner furthest from the door, but on closer examination witness could see that he was suspended from a hook in the wall about five feet from the floor. Witness, with the help of a prisoner, took the strap from off the man’s neck. He appeared to be dead. Artificial respiration was tried until the doctor came, but without effect.

Dr Coughtrey, gaol surgeon, deposed that on his arrival he found the deceased oi his back practically dead. Witness along with others, persevered with the restorative treatment, without avail. Witness from the first thought it was a hopeless case. Afterwards he examined the body, and found that the strap had caused death by being placed round the chin. Witness formed the opinion that the act had been committed probably half to three-quarters of an hour before the body was discovered. There were no indications of a struggle. Such an act as that committed usually took about three to ten minutes. Witness concurred with the remarks made by Dr Watt as to the proper treatment of such cases, and drew attention to clause 2a in the last annual report of the Inspector of Prisons, protesting against delirium tremens cases being sent to prison for treatment, and suggesting that an end be put to the unfortunates being treated in such places as prisons. The Auckland gaoler had also protested that the practice of treating delirium tremens cases in prisons was unfair to patients and prisoners. A depression due to alcoholism had often given rise to suicidal tendencies, and especially in persons of unstable minds suffering from specific disease. There was a padded cell at the hospital, which, if used for civil cases of alcoholism, should also be used for prison cases. There was nothing in deceased’s condition to raise suspicions in the lay mind.

The Coroner said there could be no doubt that the man’s death was caused by hanging. Alter the evidence he thought they must conclude that the man was in the incipient stages of delirium tremens, and was not responsible for his actions. 

The jury returned the verdict of suicide by hanging while temporarily insane, and a rider was added that the attention of the proper authorities should he called to the necessity of having observation wards where such cases could be treated otherwise than in prisons or police stations.  -Evening Star, 29/8/1907.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Alexander Stewart, (1830-27/12/1909). "a good deal of tough life"

SUICIDE AT ANDERSON BAY

At a quarter to one o'clock yesterday afternoon the body of Alexander Stewart, of Waverley, Anderson Bay, was found in the plantation surrounding his residence, with a gunshot wound in the left breast. 

Mr Stewart, who was seventy-nine years of age, arrived in Dunedin in 1862, and was engaged as a lithographer at Fergusson and Mitchell's. Latterly he retired into private life. 

An inquest was held at the house this morning before Mr C. C. Graham (coroner). 

Elizabeth Stewart, wife of deceased, gave evidence as to missing her husband during the morning, and having heard a shot. She thought that some boys were near by playing with firearms. On noticing that a shotgun which was kept in the house had been taken from the rack she proceeded to search for her husband, and discovered him lying on his back in the grounds round the house. Thinking he had fainted, she called to a neighbor, Mr Elliot, to come to her assistance. 

Alexander Elliot gave evidence as to finding Stewart lying with a gunshot wound in his left breast, quite dead, and a double-barrelled shotgun (with one discharged cartridge) supported in the fork of a tree, with one of the prongs of the fork pressing against the trigger, so that by pulling the gun forward it would go off. 

Dr Gordon Macdonald examined the body this morning, and stated that the appearance of the wound verified the theory that the muzzle of the gun was close up to the chest when discharged, and that the shot had entered the base of the heart, so that death would be instantaneous. He also stated that deceased was subject to periodical attacks of a complaint which at times would cause intense pain. 

The Coroner, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict to the effect that death resulted from a self-inflicted wound, but there was no evidence to show what state of mind deceased was in at the time.  -Evening Star, 27/12/1909.

Mr. Alexander Stewart, father of Captain E. Stewart, late of the Takapuna, died on Sunday in Dunedin, in his seventy-ninth year. Born in Glasgow, the deceased gentleman saw a good deal of tough life in the early days of Australia. He took part in the gold rush at Bendigo, and then settled in New Zealand. He had resided at Dunedin for many years.  -Auckland Star, 28/12/1909.

Alexander Stewart lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

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."