Robert Samson, (1861-11/10/1990). "this should keep down expenses"

FOUND DEAD.

The inquest on Robert Samson, who was found dead in the Northern Cemetery, disclosed a very sad state of affairs. The body was found at about a quarter to six on Saturday morning by a young man named William Cummock who was passing at the time. Seeing the man in a sleeping position on one of the seats he jumped the fence, and on finding life was extinct informed the police. Sergeant O'Neill, upon arrival at the cemetery, identified the body as that of Robert Samson, a single man, who had been in the employment of Mr D. D. Macdonald for some twenty months as copying clerk. The deceased was a native of Irvine, in Ayrshire, was twenty-nine years of age, and had been about two years in the colony. He was of intemperate habits, and this led to his being discharged from his situation several times by Mr Macdonald, who, however, gave him several chances to recover himself by re-engaging him. He lived at the house of his cousin, John Samson, in Castle street, and was last seen alive by Mrs Samson about six o'clock on Friday evening, when he was under the influence of drink. Mrs Samson remonstrated with him about his condition, and told him either to go to bed or to go out. Without replying deceased, who had been finally discharged by Mr Macdonald about three weeks since, took up his hat and went along Castle street in a northerly direction, and was not again seen until his body was discovered the next morning. 

AN INQUEST 

was held on the body of deceased on Saturday afternoon at the Scotia Hotel, before Mr E. H. Carew, district coroner, and a jury of six, of whom Mr J. Mathews was chosen foreman, when the following evidence was given. 

John Samson deposed that deceased was a cousin of his, and was twenty-nine years of age. He was a great reader and of a melancholy and morose disposition. When he took any drink it seemed to unhinge him altogether. The letter produced was in the handwriting of deceased. This letter, which was addressed to Mr and Mrs Samson, was found on the body of deceased, and in it he complained of having had accusations made against him. The letter went on to say: — "In the present disturbed state of the colony it is hopeless for me to look for employment. Besides I cannot dig, and to beg I am ashamed. . . . I hope, when the recording angel finds time to make up my book, he will take into account the many weary nights from insomnia and somnambulism, and the many weary days from short-sightedness and all its concomitant disadvantages, that I have experienced. Concluding with many thanks for the many kindnesses you both have shown me, and with many regrets for the children; au revoir. Robert Samson. — P.S.: If all goes well according to my present arrangements they will get me in the Northern Cemetery. This should keep down expenses, which seems to be a prominent feature of Dunedin. R.S. — P.S. No. 2.: I have written out a true statement of the case. R.S."

Ann Samson gave evidence as to noticing that deceased had some drink when he came to the house at six o'clock the previous night. She told him either to go to bed or to go away, and he took his hat and went along Castle street. They had had a great deal of trouble with him getting drunk. Witness had known him to take chlorodyne, and had heard him threaten to commit suicide, but not lately. 

Dr Davies stated that he had outwardly examined the body shown to the jury. He saw no marks of violence, but the rigidity of the limbs, the enlargement of the pupils of the eyes, the blue color of the nails, and the smell in the room where the body lay all pointed to death from poisoning by prussic acid. A small bottle, containing about thirty drops of prussic acid, was given to witness by Sergeant o'Neill. It was the diluted, not the strong, prussic acid, and about thirty drops of that strength would destroy life in an adult. Witness had read the letter produced, which had been found on the deceased, and would say there were in it very decided indications of insanity of a melancholy type. 

Sergeant O'Neill was also examined, and stated that on searching the body he found the documents produced. He found no money or valuables of any kind. The bottle which witness subsequently handed to Dr Davies was in the deceased's pocket, and a razor was also in his pocket. 

William Cummock gave evidence as to finding the body. 

Mr D. D. Macdonald, solicitor, gave evidence as to deceased having been in his employment off and on for about twenty months. He had been discharged several times for intemperance, but taken on again to enable him to recover himself. The last time he was taken on on his promising to sign the pledge; and if he kept sober for a month he was to receive L2 a week, and to be further advanced. During the conversation he said if witness did not take him on he would do away with himself; but witness did not think there was anything in his saying that. He was very easily upset by drink, and had caused witness considerable annoyance by following him about and begging to be taken on again time after time. He was finally discharged about three weeks ago, as it was found hopeless to do anything with him. The jury found that the deceased poisoned himself with prussic acid while temporarily insane.  -Evening Star, 13/10/1890.

Robert Samson lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Eliza Jerram, (1854-27/10/1887). "acute hysteria"

Strange Suicide.

Dunedin, October 28. 

Eliza Jerram, who resided with her husband at North East Valley, committed suicide by shooting herself with a revolver at 5 o'clock yesterday evening. Just before that time there was a little girl in the house with her, and she sent the girl out to call on a neighbour, telling her not to come back to the house. When Jerram, who is a retired clerk, reached home he found his wife lying dead in the bedroom.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 28/10/1887.

SUICIDE IN THE VALLEY.

What appears to have been a determined suicide was committed in the North-east Valley late yesterday atternoon. Elizabeth Jerram, wife of Charles Jerram, residing in a cottage in Buccleugh street, Duddingstone, sent out her only daughter, Elizabeth, at about half-past three, telling her to go and find her father and ask him to come home at once. Elizabeth was also instructed to ask her father to bring one of the neighbors home with him, but she was told that she need not come back with her father. Mr Jerram was found in town, and having received the message he immediately hurried home. On entering the house he found his wife lying on the floor in one of the back bedrooms. She was, Mr Jerram thought, in a fainting fit, and he hurriedly despatched a messenger for Dr Ogston; but it was discovered on looking at the face that the left eye was wounded, and on the medical man arriving he announced that life had fled; Mrs Jerram had doubtless shot herself while no one else was in the house. No report of a pistol was heard by the nearest neighbor (Mrs Lomax) whose house is about fifteen yards away from Mr Jerram's; but this is easily accounted for, as the revolver with which the deed was committed is a very small one, the cartridge being no larger than the top of an ordinary-sized lead pencil, and consequently the report would not be very loud. As the bullet passed through the eye, death was probably instantaneous. Mrs Jerram was about thirty years of age, and with her husband had lived in their present house for the past twelve or thirteen years. She was a woman of a peculiarly quiet and retiring disposition, and was not often seen out excepting for a walk with her daughter or husband. The girl, an only child, is about nine years of age. It is difficult to assign a reason for the committal of the act; it was certainly not pecuniary difficulties, for Mr Jerram, who is a retired insurance clerk, is tolerably well to do. We understand, however, that Mrs Jerram had been in low spirits for some time past, and had been attended professionally by Dr Ogston. 

THE INQUEST 

was held this afternoon at Mr Jerram's residencc bieore Coroner Carew and a jury of six, of whom Mr W. J. Prictor was chosen foreman. The following evidence was given: 

Charles Jerram: I identify the body as that of my late wife, Elizabeth Jerram. She was a native of Worcestor, England; and had been in New Zealand about twenty-one years. We should have been married eleven years next December. Dr Ogston had attended my wife lately. He was here several times — the last time about the 21st of last month. I had noticed that she was depressed in spirits— sometimes more than at others. The depression of spirits continued after Dr last visit, but it was not so bad. I left my home yesterday about half-past eleven or twelve to go to town. Had been in the house all the morning previous to going to town. My wife got up yesterday morning at the usual time — between eight and nine. She seemed much better in spirits than usual. She knew that I was going to town. She wished me to go when it was spoken about, and I was to bring an umbrella back for her. She either said that she would meet me as I came back or that we would go for a walk, afterwards — I forget which. I left town to return at a little before half-past two, coming by the tram-car which stopped at the Gardens. My daughter was with me; I had met her in the Octagon. She said on meeting me that her mother had sent her up for me, and I was to go back with Mr Schlotel. She also told me that her mother said that she was not to come into the house with me. I forget the words, but they were to that effect. The tram was just passing, and we came away at once. On getting out of the tram I came straight home; I did not go to see Mr Schlotel. It was about three o'clock when I got home. I ran round to the back door, thinking that it might be open, but it was not; so I went to the front door and opened it with my own key. Going into one of the spare bedrooms I saw Mrs Jerram lying on the floor. I called to the child to run over for Mr Schlotel, and to telephone for the doctor. Mr Schlotel was a friend of ours. I thought at that time Mrs Jerram had fallen in a fit and struck herself, for a piece of the top bar of the fireplace was broken. I saw that something was wrong with the left eye. Mr Schlotel came shortly after the message was sent to him. He was the first person to come in. Dr Ogston was the next. I had noticed just before Mr Schlotel came in that a revolver was lying by my wife's side; it was close to her right hand. It is my revolver. It was kept in a drawer in my bedroom. I have had it for years. It was not kept loaded; the cartridges for it were kept locked up in a tin box of which I had the key. [Witness explained that there was another key in the house that would open the box, but he was not sure that it was one belonging to his wife's bunch of keys.] I identify the keys produced as those kept by my wife. During her periods of depression she would worry about little things —such as the child being away at school, but she did not suffer from delusions. Dr Ogston did not say that a nurse was necessary. The room in which she was lying when I came home was not disturbed, and both of the outer doors of the house were locked. I think the front bedroom window was open, but am not sure. 

By Constable Walker: There was nothing disturbed in any part house. 

By the Coroner: My wife and I lived on the very best terms; and never had any differences. I should like to add that my daughter told me her mother said that I was to come into the house with Mr Schlotel; that I was not to come in by myself. My daughter did not come into the house with me. 

Dr Ogston deposed that he professionally attended Mrs Jerram from the 18th to the 21st of September. He attended her for acute hysteria — a form of insanity. He attended her for about four days. She suffered from intense depression and sleeplessness, and refused her food. Believed the danger had passed when he left her. When he saw the body yesterday it was still warm. Death had taken place less than an hour previously. He found a wound on the inner side of the left eye, not touching the eye-ball. It extended straight backwards, horizontally, with the body in a standing position. He passed the tube in about four inches; the hole extended as far as the brain. A Tranter revolver was lying by deceased's side; it was unloaded, but one of the chambers had been recently fired. Witness searched and found other bullets corresponding with the chambers of the revolver. One of these bullets would make such a wound as he had described. From the position and direction of the wound it was quite possible that deceased might have fired the shot herself. When attending her witness did not notice anything to indicate that deceased had suicidal tendencies, but that form of insanity is specially dangerous. He had cautioned the husband that Mrs Jerram wanted watching. About a month ago the attack seemed to pass away, and he had no further apprehension. He thought that she was cured of the first attack, but there must have been a recurrence of it. — By the Jury,: Mr Jerram seemed to be very careful and attentive, and I do not think he neglected his duty in not watching her. Ladies suffering from hysteria often say more than they mean. 

Elizabeth Jerram, daughter of the deceased, stated that her mother complained yesterday of a pain in her head. She did not take any luncheon, and said that she did not want to talk. She appeared to be restless. 

E. J. Schlotel said that the deceased twice remarked to him that she feared she was going mad. That was the night Dr Ogston came to attend her.

Constable Walker also gave evidence and the jury returned a verdict that deceased shot herself while in a state of temporary insanity.  -Evening Star, 28/10/1887.

Elizabeth Jerram lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Edward Royston Bradshaw, (1851-1887). "I must tear myself away from you"

Suicide

DUNEDIN, Dec. 24 

Edward Royston Bradshaw, rabbit skin merchant, Jetty Street, this morning blew out his brains in the store. Deceased was seen at a quarter to seven, and he then appeared in his usual condition. Two hours later his corpse was discovered with the top of the head blown off, and a magazine rifle beside him. On the body was a letter to his wife, and a note, the latter bidding good-bye to all. Deceased was 36 years of age. He had been five years in the 6th dragoons as a private, and two years in the police force. An inquest will be held to-day.  -South Canterbury Times, 24/12/1887.

A STRANGE-CASE OF SUICIDE.

Edward Royston Bradshaw, a rabbitskin merchant, who carried on business in Jetty street, committed suicide on Saturday morning by shooting himself. At about a half past 6'oclock the deceased called at the Pier Hotel for the keys of his premises. This was his custom. At this time he seemed to be in his usual health, and nothing remarkable was observed in his appearance or demeanour. At 9 o'clock the office boy, Roger Lee, arrived to look after his ordinary duties, but on going to the door found it locked on the inside. This led to the police being communicated with, and Constable Cruickshank, on peering under the door of the stores — there being an opening of about an inch between the bottom of the door and the step, — saw a body on the floor. The constable at once forced an entrance, and found deceased lying face downward on a pile of rabbitskins, with the top of the skull blown away and an Austrian magazine rifle by his side. The bullet had entered by the right eye and came out at the top of the head. Death must have been instantaneous; as the brains were strewn about the floor. On searching the body the police found a letter addressed to Mrs Bradshaw (who was at Moeraki for a holiday), and also a note in deceased's handwriting, but without signature, stating that "these wretched things" had caused him to do this, and bidding good-bye to all. Deceased was 36 years of age, an Englishman, and had served six years as a private in the Sixth Dragoons, from which he was discharged with the highest credit. He had also been in the Otago police force for about a year, during part of which time he was stationed at Palmerston. He leaves a widow and three children,

THE INQUEST.

The inquest was held at the Pier Hotel in the afternoon before Coronor Carew and a jury of six. 

Constable Cruickshank stated that he identified the body as that of Edward Royston Bradshaw. He was a native of England, and was rabbitskin merchant by occupation. His office was in Jetty street. By papers found on the premises, it appeared that he was 36 years of age, and that he had at one time been in the Sixth Dragoon Guards, and later on in the Otago police force. He was a married man. At 9.20 that morning, from something witness heard, he went to deceased's store and found the door locked on the inside. Witness looked under one of the door and saw a body lying inside. He burst open the door and found deceased's body lying at full length, face downward. There was a large wound on the top of the head, part of the skull being blown away and the brains partly protruding and partly scattered about the floor and wall. A sporting rifle lay close by the body, with the muzzle under it and the deceased's hands holding the muzzle. The body, which was fully dressed, was still warm. The rifle had been recently discharged, and there was an empty cartridge case in the breech. There was a mark on the wall where the bullet had struck after going through deceased's head, and on the floor below were two pieces of skull. The bullet had gone in at the right eye and out all the top of the head. The wounds could have been caused by a shot from the rifle produced. On searching the office witness found on the writing desk an unsigned note, written by deceased in pencil, as follows: — "These are the wretched things that killed me; I must say good-bye to all." There was in a pocket book in a coat hanging up in the office a letter written by him, as follows: — "My darling wife, — I must tear myself away from you and the poor darlings. God will never forgive me for deceiving you and my very best friends. I have had chances to do well, but not enough will to withstand temptation. Please give Morris the picture of Lake Wakatipu in exchange for the two likenesses he did. God bless you, darling. Oh, how happy you would have made a good man with your industry, love, and happy disposition, good-bye, darling, for ever. I have had a devil within me prompting me to suicide for along time, and I shall go mad if I live. Bring the children up to forgive me if they can. I cannot hope, even on the verge of death, for you, darling, to forgive me; having given you no pleasure, and been very unkind to you." There was no date to the letter, which was written in ink, and it was not signed. There was the sum of L3 9s l0d in one of of deceased's pockets. 

Colin Macandrew stated that he had known deceased intimately. The two notes produced appeared to be in his handwriting. Witness last saw him alive at about 11 o'clock. He went home with witness at 6.30 p.m. in a tram, and spent the evening there. There was nothing unusual in his manner or conversation. Witness at times was despondent on account of business not being very flourishing, but he was often cheerful enough. He was a very temperate man. Witness had never heard him say that he contemplated suicide; in fact he used to say it was a cowardly thing to do. Witness had heard a few months ago that deceased had attempted suicide, but did not know that it was a fact. At that time witness knew that deceased was suffering from inflammation of the lungs and was delirious. He leaves a wife and three children, who are at present staying at Moeraki, to which place they went on Thursday. He told witness last week that had intended going up to Moeraki that afternoon. Deceased had no special care taken of him after the rumoured attempt on his life some months ago. He was at times excitable, but witness never noticed eccentricities about his behaviour. He had never suffered from sunstroke in India and he had never, to witness' knowledge, been in India. Witness knew that deceased kept a rifle at his office. He had made all arrangements for going to Moeraki, including packing up some of his things.

Inspector Weldon stated that deceased was enlisted as a police-constable in October 1873. He was a specially smart and intelligent officer. On September 1, 1876, he left the force, saying that he had been left a few hundred pounds, and went into business. Witness often saw and conversed with him since then. In consequence of a suspicion that he had attempted his life a few months ago, witness got his revolver taken possession of Witness was not surprised to hear of his death that morning, for he had strange ways with him; he seemed flighty and absent-minded at times.

The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died from the effects of a gunshot wound, self-inflicted while in a state of temporary insanity.  -Otago Daily Times, 26/12/1887.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin. Photo from "Findagrave."

Edward Alfred Baldwin, (1866-24/1/1887). "they must forgive me"

A SINGULAR SUICIDE.

Shot Through the Head,

(By Telegraph - Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. 

EDWARD ALFRED BALDWIN, aged twenty years, employed in Sargood's Boot factory, was found dead on Saturday night on the Town Belt, with a revolver in one hand and a bulletmark under the left jaw. In deceased's hand a letter was discovered, from which it appeared that he committed suicide owing to a quarrel with a relative. He left his home in Union-street about 7.40 a.m. on Monday with the intention, as was thought, of going to work. He did not turn up at the workshop, nor did he return home again. The indications are that he shot himself on Monday.  -Auckland Star, 31/1/1887.

INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of Edmund Alfred Baldwin was held at the White Horse Hotel at four o'clock yesterday afternoon before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of eight. 

Dr Coughtrey stated that he had made an external examination of the body of deceased, which was in a very advanced stage of decomposition, especially in the upper half of the trunk, namely, the head, neck, and upper limbs, including the whole surface of the upper part of the chest. Under these circumstances it was difficult to determine as to the cause of death, but there were no signs of poisoning, and he understood from the police that a pistol was found by the body. He had examined this pistol, and found that three of the four barrels were loaded and one empty. He saw also the bullets, and his opinion was that a fracture which he found at the base of the skull and a hole penetrating it might have been produced by a bullet of the same size and calibre as those referred to. Such a fracture might cause death; in fact, he might say it would cause death. In all probability it was the cause of death. The body appeared to have lain dead for at least four days. It was impossible to say if the pistol had been recently discharged, because it had become rusted. The witness added that he wished to draw attention to the absence of a morgue here, and said that it was disgraceful that the authorities did not provide one, for it was demanded in the interests of both decency and justice. In the first place it was unfair that hotelkeepers should have a body in such a state of decomposition as this thrust on them, and in the second place it was impossible to carry out a proper post mortem examination in a cellar or a small back bedroom. It was most unwholesome for a body in that state to be taken to a hotel. 

The Coroner said he had no doubt that the jury would attend to what the witness had said and make some recommendation on the subject. 

George Warburton, druggist, recognised the body as that of Edmund Alfred Baldwin, who was a native of the Colony, twenty years of age, unmarried, and a bootmaker by occupation. He had been six weeks in Dunedin, having come here from Auckland. He was brother to witness's wife, and, when he first came here, lived at witness's house. Three or four weeks ago he took a house in Union street, where lie lived with his mother. His father is not in Dunedin. He seemed in a fair state of health, but seemed somewhat insane on the subject of suicide. He used to get despondent, and frequently said he was tired of life and would do away with himself. Witness used to try and talk him out of this sort of thing. He had no cause for getting in this state. His mother had been married twice, and he imagined that he could not agree with his half-sisters and brothers. Witness had never heard him arguing with his mother about not getting on well with the family. Witness last saw him on Saturday week, when he again talked about blowing his brains out; but witness and his wife talked to him, and never thought he would carry out his threats.

Abraham Solomon, pawnbroker, said that on the evening of the 22nd a young man purchased from him a revolver and thirty or forty cartridges. He gave the name of Baldwin, and said he wanted the revolver to shoot cats with. He was perfectly sober, and there was nothing remarkable about him. He asked witness to show him how to load the revolver, and witness did so. 

Abigail Isaacs, pawnbroker, stated that on the 22nd inst. a young man pledged a watch at her establishment for 30s. He gave the name of "Edward Anderson, Union street, bootmaker." 

Louisa Anderson stated that she lived in Union street, and was mother of the deceased. She last saw him alive on Monday morning, when he left home at twenty minutes to eight o'clock, which was his usual time for going to work. He had had breakfast with her just before, and there had been no unpleasantness at all. Of late, since he came to Dunedin, he had been very dull and in low spirits. He took his lunch with him as usual, but never returned. At night she began to feel anxious, and made inquiries. She found that he had not been to work that day, and getting no news of him the matter was reported to the police on Tuesday. He had little grievances because he was not getting on here so well as he had done before. He never quarrelled with her, or had any more words than passed between members of other families. He seemed of late to get tired of his life. 

George Crawley said he knew deceased by sight. They worked at the same place — at Sargood and Co.'s boot factory. On Monday morning, about a quarter past eight, witness met him on the Town Belt at the entrance of Driver's road. Witness said "Good morning; are you not going in this morning?" He replied "Where? Oh, in Sargood's, you mean!" Witness said "Yes;" and deceased then said "No; I'm not going in this morning; I don't feel well." At the same time he put his hand up to his head and turned away in the direction of Maori Hill.

Henry Spence, gardener, said that on Saturday evening last ho and another young man were going along Newington road and on to the Town Belt, near a track leading to Mr Olivers gate. They got a little off the track, and he then saw deceased lying apparently asleep about seventy yards away. They went close up, and then saw that he was dead. He was lying on his left side, about 150 yards from Mr Oliver's gate. They both at once turned back and told the first constable they met. They went back with the constable, and they then saw the revolver lying by the deceased's right hand. 

Sergeant O'Neill said that from information supplied him by the last witness he went to the place where the deceased's body lay. One of the four barrels was discharged. He removed the body to the White Horse Hotel and searched it. They found in the pockets a pawn ticket for a watch, a society book, and other articles; also, twenty-seven rounds of ball cartridge suitable for the pistol produced. He also found a letter, as follows:

Dunedin, January 24, 1887. My dear sister Alice, — Forgive me for what I have done to myself; and you, dear George, accept my dying thanks for what you have done for me. Dear Alice, write to my dear father and brother and sister, and tell them that they must all forgive me. Tell them the reason that I shot myself is because I cannot agree with my mother and Anderson's children, and I am tired of this life, and I don't see no future way of getting out of it. Tell them that I don't bear them any ill-feelings, but don't ask their forgiveness, because they are the cause of my death. Kiss  ____ for me. Tell George that if he likes to get my watch cut of the pawn-shop he must keep it in remembrance of me. Good-bye, dear sister. 

William Anderson, step-brother to the deceased, identified the handwriting of the letter as that of deceased. 

The jury returned the following verdict: "That the deceased committed suicide by shooting himself while in a state of temporary insanity." They also added a rider to their verdict to the effect that it was a standing disgrace to the authorities of Dunedin that they did not provide a suitable place for receiving dead bodies for the purpose of inquests.  -Evening Star, 1/2/1887.

Edward Baldwin lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Harry Hird aka Henry Booth, (1839-1/11/1884). "business difficulties"

 SUICIDE.

The suicide of Mr Harry Hird, bootmaker, George street, was reported to the police this morning, The deceased, who was a widower, about thirty-seven years of ago, slept at the house of Mr Hotton, hairdresser, last night, and shortly before six o'clock this morning was seen going into his own shop by James Williams, a butcher's assistant. In answer to Williams, the deceased explained his early rising was occasioned by his intended departure for Invercargill that morning. When Robert Sainbury, employed by the deceased, went to work at 7.30 he found the place closed, and, having had a conversation with Williams, he went to the railway station, but could see nothing of Hird. He then returned to the shop, and, having effected an entrance by means of a back window, found the deceased hanging by a piece of canvas in the workshop. Dr Copland, who was called in, pronounced life to be extinct. Deceased was a native of Halifax, Yorkshire. An inquest will be held on Monday.  -Evening Star, 1/11/1884.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Auld Scotland Hotel to day on the body of Harry Hird, alias Booth, who was found hanged on Saturday morning last. Mr Coroner Hocken presided. 

Joseph Smith deposed that he had known the deceased for eight years. His real name was Henry Booth, and he came to the Colony seventeen years ago. Witness had last seen him on Thursday, when he seemed in his usual health and spirits. About eighteen months ago, when the deceased was in difficulties in business, he said that if he had the materials he would commit suicide, and for the last two months bad been very low spirited. Witness considered that for some time past deceased’s mind had been unhinged. 

Dr Copland gave evidence as to examining the body of the deceased, and stated that he had met his death by hanging. 

Thomas John Hotton, hairdresser, said that deceased had stopped at his house on Friday night. He told witness he was going to Invercargill next morning, and when witness got up deceased had left. 

James Williams, butcher, gave evidence as to hearing deceased say he was going to Invercargill on Saturday morning. 

Robert Sainsbury, who had been an assistant to the deceased, stated that he came down to work as usual on Saturday morning, expecting to find that his master had gone to Invercargill. When he went to Mr Hotton’s for the key of the shop he found the deceased had it, and on getting into the shop through a window he found the deceased hanging. Witness cut him down, but he was quite dead. 

Constable Dwyer stated that he found an envelope in the shop, on which was written: “W. McGill is the cause of this. — H. H.” Deceased had been of intemperate habits lately. 

William Wood stated that on one occasion deceased had talked of being tired of his life. He had a bottle of laudanum in his possession at the time, and witness took it rom him. 

William Thomas McGill deposed that the accused had stopped with him for some time. Latterly he had become very intemperate and disagreeable, and witness told him he would have to go. Witness had no disagreement with the deceased beyond this. Witness had heard deceased threaten to take his own life.

The Coroner, in summing up, said it was quite certain McGill had nothing to do with the death of the deceased, who had just made one of those rash and unfounded statements peculiar to inebriates.

The jury returned a verdict "That deceased committed suicide while in an unsound state of mind, induced by business difficulties and intemperance."  -Evening Star, 3/11/1884.

Harry Hird lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Frederick Nicholls, (1834-9/6/1884). "an old soldier"

Fred Nicholls, who had been drinking heavily, committed suicide at Castle-street, Wellington, yesterday, by taking laudanum.  -Auckland Star, 10/6/1884.

SUPPOSED SUICIDE.

What has the appearance of a case of suicide was reported to the police last evening. Frederick Nicholls, the deceased, aged about fifty, was an old soldier, and was employed as messenger at the New Zealand Loan and Agency Company's office until Friday last, when he was discharged. Since then he had been drinking heavily, and was taken to his home in Castle street drunk yesterday afternoon. Shortly before five o'clock he called his wife into the bedroom and wished her good-bye. In his hand he held a bottle, which Mrs Nicholls took to contain rum — a spirit he was in the habit of drinking. She saw him drink the contents and went into the kitchen, whither he followed her in a short time. He then lit his pipe and began smoking, and in a few minutes fell upon the floor. His wife at first thought he was merely suffering from the effects of drink, but his heavy breathing induced her to think there was something wrong, and medical aid was sent for. Dr Copland was procured, and on reaching the house he found the deceased in the last extremity ; and he died almost immediately. The body presented the appearance of death by poison, and the bottle in question was found to have contained laudanum. An inquest was held at four o'clock this afternoon at the Victoria Hotel, before Mr Coroner Hocken and a jury. 

The Coroner said that if the jury concluded that the deceased committed suicide by taking laudanum their duty would be to determine the state of mind he was in at the time. 

Mary Nicholls, wife of the deceased, was the first witness. She said that her husband was an Episcopalian by religious persuasion. He arrived in New Zealand in 1861 and fought in the Maori War. Yesterday morning her husband came home, and after sleeping for about an hour, threatened to take the lives of witness and her family with a tomahawk. They all ran out of the house, and her son went for a constable. The deceased went out again and returned about 1.30 p.m. He was very drunk then, and went to sleep for another hour. As he again threatened her, she went out. When she returned, about half past four he said "Good-bye; I am going to take my life." He took a bottle which witness believed to contain spirits out of his coat pocket. He said it contained the wherewith to take his life. After this he followed witness into the kitchen, and said "Good-bye for ever. The stuff I have taken will finish me in half an hour." He then dropped on the floor. When witness ran to lift him she smelt laudanum. Deceased had frequently threatened to commit suicide while under the influence of drink; his father had also committed suicide by drowning while intoxicated.  -Evening Star, 10/6/1884.

The jury's verdict was that Frederick Nicolls had died by taking laudanum "while in a state of temporary insanity, induced by drink. He lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

The "insanity" part of the jury's verdict was a common one, and a remainder from the days when a suicide, who had effectively committed "self-murder" and thus disturbed the Monarch's peace, had all assets confiscated by the Crown as punishment and possibly as a deterrent to other would-be suicides. A verdict of insanity meant that the deceased's heirs could legally inherit their estate.

Thomas Price, (1824-17/1/1882). "in a muddled state"

DETERMINED SUICIDE.

(PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedin, Jan 17. 

Thomas Price, bootmaker. Princess Street, committed suicide early this morning by putting a shot gun to his mouth and shooting himself. He was a widower, aged 57, and had been drinking heavily since Christmas.  -Wanganui Herald, 17/1/1882.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of the late Mr Thomas Price are respectfully requested to attend his Funeral, which will leave the Morgue, Lower High street, for the Southern Cemetery, Tomorrow (Thursday), the 19th inst.. at 2 30 p.m. 

GOURLEY AND LEWIS, Undertakers, George and Maclaggan streets.  -Evening Star, 18/1/1882.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Auld Scotland Hotel to-day, before the Coroner (Mr Hocken) and a jury of twelve, on the body of Thomas Price, who committal suicide yesterday by shooting himself. Inspector Weldon watched the proceedings on behalf of the police. 

After stating the nature of the case, the Coroner said: I am sorry, gentlemen, that you have some little distance to go to view the body at the morgue; still, provision has not been completed so as to make it convenient for jurymen. It seems that there is some hitch between the Government and the Corporation as to which is the proper body to prepare the court and morgue. I hope, however, that the matter will soon be arranged, for as it is it is a great trouble to everyone. 

Patrick Hally stated: I was apprenticed to the deceased Thomas Price, and had been with him for the last fourteen months. I last saw him at six o'clock on Monday evening reading a newspaper in his shop. Deceased generally slept in a room at the back of the shop. At eight o'clock yesterday morning I knocked it the back door for admittance. Receiving no answer, Mr Bell, senr, who lives next door, advised me to look through the window, so I climbed on to the sill, and on looking into the bedroom I saw the gun produced on the floor with the deceased lying over the butt-end of it. The muzzle was projecting from under the body of the deceased, whose head was in a pool of blood. Deceased's right hand was near the trigger of the gun, and the left was over his breast. The bedclothes were not disturbed, and the deceased was dressed in his ordinary clothes, with his slippers on. I told Mr Bell that I thought deceased had shot himself, and he advised me to go and tell Mr Milner. I did so and also fetched Dr Reimer. Both the front and the back doors were locked, so Mr Thomas Bell entered through the window and opened the back door to us. Dr Reimer pronounced the deceased to be quite dead. On the dressingtable was a box of caps, and a writing-desk was removed from its usual position, some letters also being strewn over it. The gun was kept unloaded, I think, in the corner of his bedroom. He also kept a powder flask and shot pouch, which he had lent along with the gun about a month ago, and which had been returned yesterday morning. I saw two powder flasks on the table in his bedroom. Deceased was in the habit of taking drink, and since Christmas he had been in a muddled state, which prevented him from attending to his business. He was in that state on Monday evening when I left him. He very seldom came into the shop, chiefly confining himself to his bedroom. 

John Agnew, clerk at the City Hotel, stated that he last saw deceased about a quarter past five on Monday evening, when he (deceased) came into the hotel, looked into both bars and then withdrew. Witness knew that the deceased had been drinking since Christmas. On Friday he took him some soup and a large piece of bread, of which he partook, but he refused to take any beef, saying he could not eat it. Deceased was very drunk on that date. 

John Qgg, proprietor of the Caledonia Hotel, Anderson Bay, said that the deceased, whom he had known for the last five or six years, was a man of intemperate habits. Last Monday witness went up to Price's shop to try and persuade him to stop drinking, and he promised faithfully to do so. He was a great friend of the deceased, who had never said to him that he was tired of life.

James Milner, auctioneer, stated that the deceased was sixty one years of age, a native of Cheltenham or Bath, a widower without family, and bootmaker by trade and of the Church of England faith. Deceased had been in Colony for the last twenty-nine years, and had arrived in this Colony from Melbourne. Deceased was a man of intemperate habits, and on Monday witness, along with Mr Ogg, got him to promise to stop drinking. 

Edward Phillips, night watchman at the Glasgow Pie House, stated that he saw the deceased between half-past six and seven o'clock yesterday morning, when he came into the bar and asked for some cased brandy, which he drank with soda and then left. 

Sergeant Gearin stated that when he entered the deceased's room yesterday morning at nine o'clock he found the gun produced lying beneath the deceased. There was a broken cap on the nipple of the right barrel, which appeared to have been but recently discharged. The left barrel was unloaded. The room did not appear to have been disturbed. On his person were found 3s 9d and several other small articles. 

Dr Reimcr stated that he had examined the wound on deceased's head and found that it had been caused by the gun having been placed to the mouth. The shot had shattered the left temple bone completely, and there was a wound behind the right ear caused by the concussion. 

The Coroner mentioned that Mr Fish had called upon him this morning about giving evidence, but he (the Coroner) did not think it would be necessary. It appeared that there was some letter in the paper this morning referring to the Bowling Club. He had not seen the letter, but Mr Fish thought that the deceased's connection with the matters referred to in it had nothing to do with the suicide. Deceased was treasurer of this Bowling Club, and for a long time past he had been unable to discharge; his duties. In December he was written to, stating that his services would no longer be required and requesting that he would hand over the books. No notice was taken of the letter, nor of a second one that was sent. These letters were just of the ordinary kind. They contained no charge of dishonesty, but simply intimated that owing to inattention to his duties the deceased's services would not be further required. 

A verdict of "Suicide, committed whilst in a state of temporary insanity," was returned.  -Evening Star, 18/1/1882.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Alfred Samuel Cottrell, (1852-18/6/1881). "everybody has been kind"

SAD CASE OF SUICIDE. 

[ UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, 19th June.

Frank Cottrell, who was barman at the Industrial Exhibition, committed suicide last night about midnight by jumping off the wharf. He had been discharged that night, and, having a wife at home confined to her bed, be became low spirited. He left his pocket-book on the wharf, giving his name and address. He also left his upper clothing. The body was found to-day.   -Evening Post, 20/6/1881.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Wharf Hotel, Rattray street, this morning, before the City Coroner and a jury, touching the death of Alfred Samuel Cottrell, whose body was found under the Rattray street wharf yesterday. Mr J. E. H. Harris appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of the relatives of the deceased.

John H. Cottrell, storekeeper in George street, deposed: The deceased, Alfred Samuel Cottrell, was my nephew. He was twenty-nine years of age at the time of his death, a native of London, a barman by occupation, and a Protestant by religious persuasion, He leaves a wife and one child without means, He has been in this Colony seven years. He was naturally of a very cheerful disposition, but when I saw him on Saturday night he seemed low-spirited. His wife has been seriously ill for the last three weeks, and this made the deceased despondent. He had been out of employment a good deal lately. He was a man of temperate habits. The note-book produced I recognise as the deceased’s. In his handwriting there is a memo. “I cannot live. Everybody has been kind to us all. Mr Low has discharged me to-night for no fault of mine. I love my wife, mother, and sisters heartily. I live at Mrs Walker’s, Leith street. My name is Alfred Cottrell,” He took home on Saturday night the sum of L3, having been paid off by the Exhibition Committee

John Cottrell, son of the last witness: I saw the deceased at half-past eleven on Saturday night in St. Andrew street. He was coming from the direction of his house. I asked him if he was going for a walk, and he said “Yes." I then passed him, and went home. He has been low-spirited lately in consequence of his wife’s illness. 

Thomas Low, in charge of the refreshment booth at the Garrison Hall, stated that the deceased had been working for him. On Saturday night he discharged Cottrell, but on the man representing the state of his wife’s health witness agreed to see what could be done for him on Monday (this morning). Deceased then went away apparently in good spirits.

Alexander McMillan, watchman on the Rattray street wharf, deposed: The deceased passed me about midnight on Saturday between the two lower sheds. When I was opposite the Beautiful Star I heard a splash, and called out “Man overboard." On going to the end of the jetty I saw a hat, coat, and vest on the wharf. A boat with grapplings was soon out, but no trace of a body could be seen. From where I found the clothes to the nearest vessel would be about 200 yards. 

Sergeant Haldane gave evidence as to finding the deceased’s body in the water a few yards from where the clothes were found. 

The jury found that deceased committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity.  -Evening Star, 20/6/1881.

Alfred Cottrell lies buried in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Peter Hodge Kirk, (1853-19/5/1881). "I am not insane"

SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN.

[united press association.] Dunedin, This Day. 

Peter Hodge Kirk, an expressman, committed suicide by hanging himself last night. On his body a letter was found, stating that the cause of the act was his separation from his wife and family. Last week his wife sued him for maintenance. The letter added, "I suppose the jury will bring in insanity, but I am not insane, and never was."  -Evening Post, 18/5/1881.

INQUEST.

An inquest was hold at the Panama Hotel to-day, before the Coroner and a jury of twelve, on the body of Peter Hodge Kirk, who was found hanging from a swing yesterday morning. Mr Weldon watched the proceedings on behalf of the police. 

John Robert Brookes, newspaper runner, stated that about five minutes to seven yesterday morning, as he was coming down the footpath of Mr Call's garden, near the top of London street, he observed "something like a man on a swing." After giving information to a constable, he returned and found the man in the same position as when he first saw him. 

Constable Hackett stated that on receiving information from the last witness that a man was hanging in a yard at the top of London street ho proceeded to the place and found the deceased hanging in a child's swing. The body was hanging about 3ft from the ground and was quite cold and stiff when cut down. Against one of the posts of the swing was placed a pair of steps. One end of a piece of clothes line was tied round one of the ropes of the swing, and the other end was around deceased's neck. On searching the body a receipt was found, on the back of which was written in lead pencil the following:

"I love my wife and my dear little Jennie and Bertie, but old mother Wilson has taken them from me, so that my Mary will be a servant to them. Its all through her advice that Mary left me, instead of trying to mend matters she always went between us. She tried to separate us before this, and has done so at last. Without my wife and children I cannot live. I never intended to go to Melbourne. I told Bain at Port what my intentions were. I suppose the jury will bring in 'insanity,' but I am not insane; nor never was. As I write this I see a policeman going into the house, so I am off; good-bye. 

"Peter H. Kirk." 

Amongst other things he found a razor in the deceased's coat pocket. 

Robert Kirk said that the deceased was his brother, and was at the time of his death twentyeight years of age, a native of Fifeshire, and a Presbyterian by religious persuasion. Deceased's wife had told him that she had been quarrelling with her husband. He last saw deceased alive about ten o'clock on Sunday fortnight, when he wished to speak to witness about some promissory note. Deceased had never said anything to him that would lead him to suppose that he intended to commit suicide. The writing on the document produced was that of his brother.

Mary Kirk said that the deceased was her husband. He had attempted to commit suicide a dozen times, and on the 2nd of December of last year he was prevented by Sergeant Deane from hanging himself under the Water of Leith bridge near the Pelichet Bay railway station. He was addicted to drink, and whilst under its influence he would secrete scissors and knives about his person. Last Thursday night while drunk he opened a razor and flourished it in her face, threatening at the same time to cut her throat or anybody else's if they touched him. She left him about a month ago, and last saw him alive on Friday last between twelve and one o'clock, He called for his son, towards whose maintenance he had been ordered to contribute but had never done so. There was insanity in his family. 

The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased had committer suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity.  -Evening Star, 19/5/1881.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin. Photo from "Findagrave."

 

Agnes Weir, (1842-6/11/1880). "the meekness of a dove"

A Mrs Agnes Weir, wife of John Weir, of Mornington, was received into the Hospital on Friday afternoon, having taken poison with the expressed intention of committing suicide. She died in the Hospital, where an inquest will be held to-day at noon. Her husband, we understand, used some kind of poison for the purpose of curing skins for mats, and in this way she obtained it.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/11/1880.

An inquest was held at the Hospital on Nov. 8th, before Dr Hocken, coroner, and a jury of 12, to elicit the circumstances attending the death of Agnes Weir, who poisoned herself by taking a dose of arsenic at Mornington on Friday morning last. It appears from the evidence that the deceased was found by her husband, John Weir, vomiting and in an exhausted state, about 10 o'clock. He at once brought in a neighbour named Mrs Lockhart and the woman was ultimately sent to the Hospital. Weir said that he had a few words with his wife the previous night, and that she had admitted taking the poison in consequence. He described her as one possessing "the meekness of a dove and the ferocity of a tiger, but withal a fine woman." She had previously threatened self-destruction, and on one occasion swallowed some sulphate of copper. According to the testimony of Mrs Lockhart, Weir was using foul and abusive language to his wife when she arrived on the scene. The deceased said that she had been an ill-used woman all her life, and that it was on account of her husband calling her names the previous evening she had taken the poison. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity, and the Coroner addressed Weir as follows: — "The Jury wish me to say to you that they consider the condition of mind spoken of in this verdict was caused by your own abusive language towards her, and they also consider that you are worthy of censure for not taking more care of this dangerous poison, knowing that she had frequently threatened to commit suicide, and had on a previous occasion actually taken poison. In that censure I concur."  -Otago Daily Times, 3/12/1880.

Agnes Weir lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.