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.

Emily Cook Patch, (1867-28/1/1894). "with the heads off"

SUICIDE IN ALBANY STEEET.

A married woman named Emily Cook Patch died at half-past 9 yesterday morning from the effects of taking poison some days ago. Her husband, John Cook Patch, who is a labourer, states that on Monday night last about 9 o'clock he left their house, which is in lower Albany street, for a walk, and returned in an hour's time, when, however, he found his wife absent. She returned about midnight with a fishmonger named Meinung, who has a place of business in George street, and the latter, with whom she had become acquainted through doing work for his wife, informed Patch that she had told him she had eaten three boxes of matches. Her answer to her husband, when he asked her whether she had really so acted, was a request that he would mind his own business. The subject seems to have then been dropped — at any rate, the authorities were not communicated with, or else the woman would have been taken to the hospital, and the fatal result might have been prevented. On the Tuesday morning, however, the deceased performed her domestic duties as usual, but on the next day she complained of feeling ill and of vomiting, and on the Thursday she took to her bed. Medical assistance wag not obtained until the following day, but the woman not only did not tell the doctor what she had taken, but said that she could not account for the vomiting. Naturally enough the treatment which was prescribed for her did not prove efficacious, and, as above stated, she died yesterday morning, The deceased is alleged to have told a neighbour that she had taken matches because her husband had annoyed her. She was a native of London, and was about 30 years of age. During several years she has lived in various parts of the city. She was married about six months ago, but had lived with Patch for two years. The occurrence was reported to the police after death had ensued, and an inquest will be held in due course. -Otago Daily Times, 29/1/1894.

INQUEST.

DEATH FROM PHOSPHORUS POISONING.

An inquest was held at the Pelichet Bay Hotel yesterday afternoon before the district coroner (Mr E. H. Carew) and a jury of six (Mr F. W. Eggers, foreman), on the body of Emily Cook Patch, whose death occurred at her residence in Albany street on Sunday morning. 

John Cook Patch, a labourer, stated that his late wife seemed perfectly right on the 22nd inst. He had no quarrel whatever with her. She seemed to him, when he came home in the evening, to have had a glass, but she was not the worse for liquor. He went out about half-past 8 for a walk, leaving his wife at home, but when he returned about 10 o'clock, or shortly after, she was out. She came home about midnight with Mr Meinung, who asked him if he was aware that the wife had been eating matches. Witness replied "No." Meinung then said that she had told him she had done so, and that he had got her to take something to make her vomit, which she did. Meinung made her take another dose at home, giving her mustard and water, and this caused her to vomit a good deal. There was a pretty strong smell as of phosphorus from the vomit. Meinung advised witness to procure a doctor in the event of her getting worse during the night, and he said he would do so. After Meinung had left, witness asked the deceased why she had taken the matches, and she told him to mind his own business. That was all that passed between them on the subject that night. She went off to sleep at once, and got up at half-past 5, the usual time, on Tuesday morning to get him his breakfast. She appeared to be all right; and the matter was not mentioned by either of them. He returned from his work at 5.45 p.m., and found his wife at home and the tea ready. After tea she said she was very sorry for what she had done; but she thought she was all right, as she felt no pain. He asked her what caused her to take the matches, and she said it was her temper, and it was a rash act. She kept well until the Thursday afternoon. When he came home that evening she was lying down on the bed, and she said she did not feel very well. Witness asked if she would have the doctor, and she said they would wait till the morning and see, as she was not so bad. She slept very well that night, but on the Friday morning she said she would send for Dr Martin, as she felt no better.. On his returning home in the evening from his work the deceased told him that Dr Martin had been. He asked her if she told the doctor she had taken matches, and she said "Yes." On Saturday afternoon, when he came home, she told him that the doctor had said she was a little better. She vomited frequently at night. He asked her if she felt much pain and if he should fetch the doctor, but she said "No." He did not ask her if she had taken matches again, nor did he suspect her of having taken any. She was easier, as he thought, about 6 o'clock on Sunday morning. About 9 o'clock he went in to give her the medicine prescribed by Dr Martin, but found she was in a dying state. That was the first time he had noticed that she was seriously bad. He sent for Dr Martin, and brought his sister, Mrs Blandon, but she died about 10 minutes after the latter arrived, and before Dr Martin came. He found some remains of matches, with the heads off, on Tuesday last. She had bought 12 penny boxes of matches on the previous Friday. He found that five of them had gone, irrespective of those he had used. He thought that one would have been sufficient for ordinary use during the time. 

Halvor Meinung, fishmonger, residing in George street, deposed that the deceased came to his house about 10.30 p.m. on the 22nd, when she seemed very much agitated. His wife asked her what was the matter, and she said that she had taken matches. Witness told her it was his duty to give her in charge, but she begged and prayed him not to do so, and he then said if she would take an emetic he would sea how she got, on. He gave her two or three cups of mustard and water. After the first cup she vomited what seemed to be a stream of liquid fire, which smelt very strongly of phosphorus. She retched a good deal after the second and third cups; and when she had rested he took her home to her husband. She came to his place next morning and said she felt all right, but she looked pale. On the Wednesday she sent a note to his wife stating that she did not feel very well, and that if she (Mrs Meinung) would put off her washing for a week she would come up and help her. She also said that "Jack" (her husband) and she were quite friends again. On the Monday night witness asked her why she had taken the matches, and she replied that it was only her temper — that she was afraid that her husband by his kindness might take the love of her child away from her. She said she had picked the heads of the matches off and eaten them one by one. He understood her to say that she had eaten the-contents of a big box and two small ones, and that she had taken them about an hour-and a-half before. 

Dr Martin, who was the next witness, said in the course of his evidence that when he saw the deceased on the Friday morning she complained of sickness, and he asked her if she knew of any cause, but she said "No." There was no evidence of anything beyond simple gastric disturbance, with a slightly elevated temperature, and he prescribed for her. On the next morning her temperature was normal, and her own statement was that the sickness had abated. She was not communicative, and told him nothing at all about matches. He had no information about them until after death. A person might die suddenly from phosphorus poisoning, but as a rule death would not ensue for five or six days. There was often, as in this case, an abatement of sickness for two or three days. Mr Meinung acted rightly, but witness thought deceased should have been put in a doctor's hands immediately. In his opinion phosphorus poisoning was the cause of death.

Harriet Madams (who stated that on the morning of the 23rd the deceased told her she had eaten the heads of three boxes of matches on the previous night in order to vex her husband, because he had annoyed her, and that the deceased said on the Friday that she did not like to tell the doctor what she had done) and Elizabeth Blandon also gave evidence. 

The Coroner, in leaving the case to the jury, said it seemed the husband had made a very great mistake in not doing more than he did. He should certainly have told the police or got a doctor to attend her at once, and if he had done so probably his wife's life would have been saved. 

The Jury found that death resulted from the deceased taking matches while in a state of temporary insanity, and added that the husband erred in not calling in a doctor at once.  -Otago Daily Times, 30/1/1894.

Emily Patch lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

Catherine Cunningham, (1868-27/9/1891). "three pints of blood"

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

A young woman named Catherine Cunningham, daughter of Bernard Cunningham, currier, of Abbotsford, died very suddenly yesterday morning. She had been ailing for the past sixteen years, and had been attended to during that time by several doctors, the last to see her being Dr Martin, who was called in about two months ago. On Saturday night, about ten o'clock, she retired to her room, apparently in her usual state of health. Yesterday morning at half-past eight, before she rose, she was spoken to by one of the members of the household, and, on making an effort to reply, she was seized with a violent fit of coughing, and vomited about three pints of blood. Dr Will was at once sent for, but the girl died before he arrived. She was twentythree years age. It is supposed that the cause of death was a rupture of a blood vessel in the lungs. An inquest on the body was held at Mr Cunningham's residence this afternoon, before Mr Carew and a jury, but it had not concluded when we went to press.  -Evening Star, 28/9/1891.

 INQUEST.

An inquest was held at Abbotsford yesterday, before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury, on the body of Catherine Cunningham, who died suddenly at her fathers residence on Sunday morning. 

Bernard Cunningham, currier, deposed that the body shown to the jury was that of his daughter. She was born at Caversham, and was twenty-three years of age. She had been suffering from bad health for about fourteen years. Dr Martin was the last medical man to see her, and he saw her about three months ago. He said she was suffering from consumption. Witness noticed no change in her on Saturday. She seemed right enough then. Oa Sunday morning, at about a quarter to nine, she came up to his bedroom. He heard her coughing before that. When she came to his room she was coughing up blood a good deal. She asked him to go for a doctor, and he went for Dr Will. The doctor returned to the house with him. When they got to the house, after less than an hour's absence, he found his daughter was dead. She used to cough up a little blood some time ago, but never so much as on Sunday. She had been to Drs Maunsell and Batchelor before she went to Dr Martin. He had had a nurse in the house to look after her. 

Mary Walsh deposed that she had been employed as nurse to the deceased since last Wednesday. She noticed no change in her up to Sunday morning. Deceased used to get up in the daytime. At half-past eight on Sunday morning she went into her room and told her breakfast was ready, but that her father was not up. Deceased said she would take her breakfast into his bedroom for him. She was getting out of bed. She had been coughing a little while and threw up some phlegm, and when she got out of bed she threw up a little blood. Witness asked her what she could do for her, as she thought she seemed in danger. Deceased said: "Send for the doctor." She hurried into her father's bedroom, as though frightened. She brought up some blood again, and fell back into witness's arms and seemed to be dying. Her father assisted witness to carry her and put her into bed. He then went away for the doctor. She died in her father's room just after throwing up the blood. At about half-past six witness went into deceased's room, but did not speak to her. She seemed all right then aa usual. 

Dr Will deposed that at about nice o clock on Sunday morning he got word that Catherine Cunningham had just died suddenly, and he went to her father's house at once. When he arrived the body had been dressed for burial. He made an outward examination of the body, and it presented all the outward appearance of a person long ill from consumption. There was blood in her mouth and on her lips, and in her father's bedroom he was shown a large quantity of blood. From what he knew of her, and the account of the rush of blood from her mouth, he had no doubt that she died from the rupture of a blood vessel in the lungs, which was a common form of death from consumption. 

The jury returned a verdict to the effect that death resulted from phthisis.  -Evening Star, 29/9/1891.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Anne Miller, (1844-27/9/1891). "followed by a scream"

Anne Miller, a resident of Tomahawk, and but recently discharged from the hospital, was readmitted today suffering from a fracture of the left hand, sustained by falling heavily on it.  -Evening Star, 21/9/1891.

Mrs Anne Miller, wife of a farmer at Tomahawk, died in the hospital yesterday. She was admitted to the institution some time ago for a fracture of the left leg, but was discharged about a fortnight ago. Last Monday, however, she had the misfortnne to again fracture the limb, which occasioned her return to the hospital. At first she appeared to make progress towards recovery, but at the end of last week she sank rapidly. An inquest will be held before Mr Carew tomorrow morning at ten o'clock.  -Evening Star, 28/9/1891.

At ten o'clock this morning Mr E. H. Carew, district coroner, held an inquest at the hospital on the body of Anne Miller, wife of John Charles Miller, of Tomahawk. Mr George Mitchell was foreman of the jury. 

John Charles Miller, farmer, residing at Tomahawk, said that deceased was his wife. She was born at Edinburgh, and had been forty-three years in the colony. Her maiden name was Anne Robertson. She arrived here in the Philip Laing, the first vessel that came with passengers. She was forty-seven years of age last July. She went to the hospital in July, and remained there till Wednesday, the 16th inst., when witness took her home. She was then very weak, and could not move about, one leg being quite paralysed. Last Sunday week witness helped her out of bed and into the kitchen, where she sat by the fire for some time, speaking to witness and her daughter. She said that the crutches witness had got for her were too long, and witness promised to get new ones for her on the following day. Witness showed her how to use them by putting them on the slant. About five o'clock witness had a fire put on in the front room, and he wished her to go in to it. She went into the room to look at the fire, and after he had been in the room for a few minutes he heard a noise as if someone had fallen, followed by a scream which he knew was made by his wife. He went into the bedroom and found his wife lying on the floor, with her stick beside her. She used the stick to help herself along, as the crutches were too long. Witness's daughter was with her mother when witness went into the front room, but she was out of the house when her mother fell. His wife complained very much of pain, and said her leg was broken. Witness saddled his horse and came in to town for Dr Davis, who went out and ordered deceased's removal to the hospital. Witness brought her into the hospital on the following day, Monday, the 21st. Deceased had told him how the mishap occurred. She said she thought she could manage to go to the bedroom herself. She got as far as the bed, but the stick then slipped from her and she fell. She was not a heavy woman. 

Miss Elizabeth Miller, daughter of the last witness, remembered the Sunday on which her mother sat in the kitchen, when a conversation took place about the crutches. Witness's father went into the front room to look at the fire, leaving witness with deceased. Deceased told witness to go to the back of the house to attend to the milk. Witness had been outside about three minutes when she heard a noise and her mother scream. Witness went inside and found her mother lying on the floor in the bedroom. 

Dr Copland deposed that he had known the deceased for four or five months. She was brought to the hospital in July, and left on the 16th inst. When she came in she was suffering from hemorrhage of the stomach. She was very weak when she left, but her legs were not paralysed. She was admitted again on the 2lst inst., suffering from a fracture of the left thigh. She remained in the hospital until Sunday, when she died. During the week she was in she was vomiting blood. The cause of death was partly shock from the accident and partly exhaustion from hemorrhage of the stomach. The hemorrhage would be caused by ulcers. 

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.  -Otago Daily Times, 30/9/1891.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

David Hugh, (1829-25/9/1891). "struck his head"

David Hugh, a resident of Waikouaiti, was found in a fit outside his hut on Friday morning. As his condition appeared to be very bad the police removed him to the Dunedin Hospital, where he arrived about one o'clock on the same day in an unconscious state. Medical attendance was at once rendered him, but he died on Saturday morning about five o'clock. An inquest will be held before Mr Carew to-morning morning at eleven o'clock.  -Evening Star, 28/9/1891.

At eleven o'clock this morning Mr Carew held an inquest in the hospital on the body of David Hugh, who died in the institution on Saturday morning. Mr James Horsburgh was chosen foreman of the jury. 

James Fell, a schoolboy, residing at Waikouaiti, recognised the body shown to the jury as that of David Hugh, a laborer, who lately resided in a small house belonging to Mr Reeves at Waikouaiti. Last Thursday morning, at half-past seven, witness was out with milk, and when returning home near deceased's house he saw the deceased lying on the ground near to the door of his house. Witness did not go within thirty yards of him, but went and told Mr Crockett, who sent witness for assistance. When witness got back he went into deceased's house, and saw deceased lying on the sofa, with Mr Crockett attending to him.

Constable Bird stated that last Thursday he was in Dunedin. He did not return to Waikouaiti until half-past five. He was informed of deceased having been found outside his house, and at once went to the place. Deceased had several wounds about his face and hands. On Friday witness had the man removed to the Dunedin Hospital. On Saturday Dr Hislop, of Palmerston, told witness he had seen the deceased on Thursday. The doctor said that deceased then appeared like a man suffering from an apoplectic fit. The bruises on the man's face and hands, the doctor also said, might have been caused by a fall when the man was first attended with a fit or by knocking himself about after the fit had passed off. The place where deceased was found was covered with gravel, and at the spot where his hand was resting the gravel was disturbed, which would account for the bruises on his hand. Deceased was unconscious when witness first saw him on Thursday, and he was unconscious when he went into the hospital. Witness had made inquiries, and found that deceased had not been near a public-house for over a month. Mr Crockett told witness that when he found deceased the face was covered with blood, and the left eye was full of mud and gravel, and one hand was badly cut. Deceased was found at the back door with his head partly worked under the weatherboard. The door of the house was locked, the key being in deceased's pocket. His coat was wet, and from that fact Mr Crockett concluded that deceased had been out all night. Deceased was a bootmaker by trade, but for many years had been earning his living as a laborer. Witness had heard that deceased was born in Wales, and had been over twenty years in the colony. At the shearing before last he was working near a woolpress, when he fell and struck his head against a bolt. He was unconscious for some time after the accident, and had not been the same man since. Deceased was married, his wife and family being at Home. He had some friends in Melbourne, and witness believed he had also a friend resident on the Peninsula. Deceased was about sixty-two years of age. 

The Coroner remarked that portion of the evidence was second-hand, as it was considered inadvisable to bring a number of witnesses in from Palmerston and Waikouaiti.

Dr Copland stated that deceased was admitted to the hospital on Friday afternoon in an unconscious state. He had bruises about both eyes, on the left temple above the ear, and one of his hands was bruised and scratched. He remained in the same condition until the morning of Saturday, when he died. Deceased had all the appearance of a man suffering from apoplexy. 

The jury returned a verdict of "Death from apoplexy."  -Evening Star, 29/9/1891.

I have found no records of David Hugh's resting place.

William Thompson, (1835-27/9/1891). "the peculiar opinions"

A somewhat serious accident happened on Saturday afternoon to Mr William Thompson, who is, well known as the late licensee of the Criterion Hotel. He was engaged in doing something to the embankment at the rear of Farley's Hall, and fell from a plank, a distance of some 25ft or 30ft, on to a brick footpath below, striking a stout wooden fence in his passage to the ground. On being picked up it was discovered that he had sustained a severe blow on the crown of the head, one of his arms had been hurt, and he was suffering from pain internally. He was conveyed to his residence and attended by Dr Wanless, who found that he was suffering from concussion of the brain and severe internal injuries.  -Otago Witness, 29/6/1888.

SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN. 

A WELL-KNOWN RESIDENT SHOOTS HIMSELF. 

[BY Telegraph.] [United Press Association.] Dunedin, 27th September.

William Thompson, a retired publican, committed suicide early this morning by shooting himself with a revolver, the muzzle of which he placed in his mouth and then fired. The reasons for the suicide aro not known. He was a widower, with no family, but he had adopted two boys whose father died some years ago. He was in very comfortable circumstances, though it is understood he had sustained losses recently. He at one time kept the Red Lion Hotel and afterwards the Criterion. On retiring he advanced money to various institutions on condition that the interest was paid during his lifetime, the principal not to be repaid at all. The Masonic Hall, it is understood, had money on these terms, and also the defunct Freethought Lyceum, in which he took great interest. Deceased, on retiring on Saturday, appeared as cheerful as usual. This morning he told one of the boys he had adopted to keep up the fires in the vinery. He said he had been a little worried about a Supreme Court action which came up in Chambers on Friday, when a summons was applied for, calling on Thompson and Brow, as trustees of the late Charles Roberts, to show cause why a statement of accounts should not be filed. Thompson submitted himself, and expressed his readiness, but stated all the books were in Brow's possession. Brow did not appear. It is somewhat singular that the pistol which Thomson used is the same with which Roberts committed suicide.  -Evening Post, 28/9/1891.

The adjourned inquest touching the circumstances attending the death of William Thompson was held at the residence of the deceased at half-past twelve to-day. The same jury were in attendance. 

Dr Hocken deposed: I knew the deceased moderately well for the last three or four years. I never attended him professionally in that time. I was called to see him on Sunday morning, and arrived hero about a quarter to nine. I found him in his bed, the bed clothes and his night clothes being undisturbed. There was no sign of disturbance in the room. Blood had streamed down over his face upon the pillow. His left hand lying across his chest. His right was by his side in the bed, and in it was the pistol produced, lying loosely in his hand. It was uncocked, apparently recently discharged, and in the trigger were two or three hairs, which had evidently come from his moustache. Both hands were blackened as though with smoke. There was no smell of powder. Immediately behind his head, and quite within reach, was the cartridge produced. On examining his mouth, I found the his pallet broken right through, a hole about the size of a shilling penetrating it, and extending right into the brain for a distance of six inches. It was evident to me, from the fact that there was black on both hands, that he had covered his mouth with his left hand, holding the pistol into his mouth with the right, so that the noise would not be heard. The body was warm and supple, from which I judged that he had not been dead more than two hours, if as long as that. The wound was one that could have been self-inflicted. The last time I spoke to him was about six weeks ago. I would not expect from his temperament that he would commit suicide while in a sane mind. From the peculiar opinions he held of life, I think he would hold his life very cheaply. 

To the jury: If a person receives an injury of any kind to the head, drink or excitement such as I believe he has been subjected to of late might cause a depression of spirits proportionate to the mental trouble. The trouble he has had recently, joined with the injury he received three or four years ago, would give a sufficient explanation of his doing this act. 

Franz Beissel deposed that deceased had been a customer of his for many years. He got shaved last Saturday night about halfpast nine, and also had his hair cut. Witness had a conversation with him, but nothing particular was said. He seemed in good spirits, and witness saw nothing wrong with him. He did not speak about personal matters. Witness never saw him in better spirits. 

This concluded the evidence. 

The Coroner said he did not think the jury would have any difficulty in coming to the conclusion that the deceased came to his death by his own hand. If they came to this conclusion, the next matter to decide was the state of hi? mind at the time of the act. There was certainly not much evidence to show that anything was wrong with his mind, but there was this: that he was a man who appeared to be in good circumstances, that an action was brought against him, that he said he did not care about the money matter in dispute; that his solicitor cheered him up and told him that in all probability he would gain the case, and that if he lost it was of no consequence to him. For all that, however, deceased thought very much on the matter, and made it a sort of fixed idea, which was shown by what Mr Bills had said — viz., that once in the greenhouse deceased said to him "If it wasn't for having this to attend to I believe they would drive me mad." That went to show that he had the matter constantly in his mind, and that he had allowed it to dwell so much on his mind that it had unhinged it. 

The jury, after a retirement of five minutes, returned the following verdict: — "That the deceased William Thompson shot himself dead while in a fit of temporary insanity."  -Evening Star, 29/9/1891.

The funeral of the late Mr William Thompson, which will be a Masonic one, will start from the Masonic Hall at 3 this afternoon.  -Otago Daily Times, 30/9/1891.

It is understood that the will of the late William Thompson leaves everything to the Benevolent Institution, which it benefits to the extent of about £3500. All the members of the family are cut, to the general surprise, as his declared intentions were in a contrary direction.  -NZ Mail, 9/10/1891.

William Thompson lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

John Richard Baxter, (1812-11/10/1892). "a very temperate man"

 SECOND EDITION. 

SUICIDE AT DUNEDIN. 

[By Telegraph.] UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Dunedin, This Day. 

John Richard Baxter, aged 80, stickmaker, of Rattray-street, committed suicide this morning, cutting his throat with a razor. He had been depressed in spirits for some time.  -Evening Post, 11/10/1892.

SUICIDE.

John Richard Baxter, aged eighty years, a gold chaser and stick maker, committed suicide this morning by cutting his throat with a razor.

Mrs Catherine Marshall, daughter of deceased, residing in Maclaggan street, states that she last saw her father alive yesterday evening at about eight o'clock. When she left to go home he seemed to be in his usual spirits. She returned this morning to make him some gruel, and on entering the shop called out to him, but derived no answer. Thinking he was asleep, she went on making the gruel, and took it upstairs to his room, when she noticed blood. She immediately ran out of the house and told Mr Robert Porter, licensee of the hotel next door, and he went into the house, and proceeded upstairs. He found deceased lying with part of his body in the bed, and his head and shoulders over a washing basin, which was filled with clotted blood, and in his right band he held an open razor. He was terribly cut on the right side of the neck. Fanny Mullhern, a servant at the Britannia Hotel, stated that she saw deceased at 6.30 this morning drawing water from a tap. Dr Teevan, who arrived on the scene, has certified that death was caused by the wound on deceased's neck. Deceased wrote the following note on a piece of printed paper, which was found on the kitchen floor: — "Would prefer death than to eat the bread of charity." Deceased, who was a widower, leaves a married daughter. He had been in depressed spirits for some time. An inquest will probably be held to-morrow.  -Evening Star, 11/10/1892.

SUICIDE.

An inquest on the body of John Richard Baxter, who was found dead with his throat cut at his residence in Rattray street on Tuesday morning, was held at the Britannia Hotel yesterday before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of six. Mr Charles Johnson was chosen foreman. 

Mrs Catherine Marshall said that deceased was her father, who was born in Birmingham, and had been in the colony about 30 years. He was a widower for the last three years, and was 80 years of age. He was very hearty for his age. Witness last saw him alive at about 10 o'clock on Monday night. She used to go down to his house every evening to make his bed. He asked her to come and see him on Monday as he was in trouble about his rent. He owed L12 for rent, which appeared to worry him very much. Witness stopped with him all Monday, when he seemed to be very cheery. She now thought that his cheerfulness had been a "blind," as he did not want her to see the state of his mind. Witness never thought that he would do such an act, as he was too good a man. She went to his house on Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock. He had left the verandah door open, as was his custom. She went into the shop and called for him, and getting no answer ran upstairs thinking that he was asleep. She went to his door and said, "Daddy, are you not awake yet," but got no answer. When she went into his room and saw what had happened she ran out and told the servant at the Britannia Hotel. On Monday afternoon her father kept walking up and down, saying that he wished he had a lot of money to leave her. He then seemed to be uneasy in his mind. He never had any trouble about money before. He seemed to be getting over his trouble on Monday night, and witness was very pleased to see that. 

Fanny Mulhern, servant at the Britannia Hotel, stated that she saw deceased on Tuesday morning at about half-past 8. He was getting water at the side of the house, and was fully dressed. He seemed to be shaking his head in a rather peculiar way. She saw him shaking his head the same way on Monday afternoon, and witness thought it was a bit strange. She told Mr Porter about the matter. 

Robert Porter, residing at the Britannia Hotel, stated that on Tuesday morning he went to deceased's room. Deceased was in bed, undressed. His head was resting on a wash basin, which was half full of clotted blood. He was dead, and had a wound on the side of the throat. Witness considered the deceased a very temperate man. 

Dr Teevan said he examined the body, and found a wound on the right hand side of the neck about 6in long and 1in deep. There was blood on the hands, shirt, sheet, and basin. The right hand was partly clenched, and the left hand extended in the ordinary way. All the exposed parts of the body were quite cold, and the parts under the sheets partly warm. On a table near at hand was an open razor, covered with blood. The wound could have been self-inflicted by the razor (produced). There were no signs of any struggle. He thought the body had been dead about two hours. 

Arthur Marshall, grandson of deceased, and Constable McGill also gave evidence. 

A verdict to the effect that deceased cut his throat whilst temporarily insane was returned. 

Mr J. A. Hislop, who appeared for Messrs Speight and Co., the landlords of deceased's house, stated that as reference had been made to deceased having been worried about rent, the inference was that the present landlords, who have owned the premises for the past six weeks or so, were pressing him. Such, however, was not the case, as they had never, since they became landlords, asked him for rent, or even sent in an account. The rent must have been owing to the former landlords.  -Otago Daily Times, 13/10/1892.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.