IN MALE ATTIRE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1666, 5 February 1913, Page 6

IN MALE ATTIRE.

YOUNG WOMAN TAKES POISON. "MISERABLE AND TIRED OP LIFE." i (By Telegraph—Press 'Association.) Auckland, February •!. "Will tho matron see me; hiost important?" Such was tho text of a nolo pencilled in a clear, youthful hand and taken into tho matron of tho Salvation Army Rescue Home, Parnell (Adjutant Gordon) by a member of lier staff, a fow minutes before, seven o'clock last evening. Upon going to tho front door the matron observed a youth, smartly attired in knee breeches, stockings, walking coat, fashion:ablo collar and tie, and straw liat, quite a dapper young person of substantial proportions- As the functions of tho homo extend only to girls, the matron naturally snowed some hesitation in asking tho youth indoors. The latter, however, with 6ome agitation, exfriained that sho was a girl in boy's attire, which she had only put on at midday, and forthwith sho was taken into, tho matron's office. Then the alarming statement was made that while entering tho gate of the homo a minute or two earlier the visitor had taken poison.

"I did if?" sho cried, "because I am miserable and tired of life." Already the young woman was exhibiting signs of painful distress, and the matron, after telephoning'to-the .-police station close by, gave her a cup of salt and water, which induced sickness.

Constables Donovan and Mageo were quickly on tho scene, ■ rind they 6cnt for Dr. Kinder, who manipulated the stomach pump, and ordered the speedy removal of the patient to the District Hospital. Her condition was serious, but after treatment overnight 'she was reported this morning as being quite out of danger. Tho young woman gave the name of Florence Marks.. Although the patient had recovered sufficiently, this morning;.to make a statement,; no information ' was forthcoming from her as to why 6he donned male attire. She said last night that her life had beon made, miserable, and that in.'a mood of depression sho bought some boy's clothes in the city yesterday with the intention of covering up her movements. When- 6he took poison she. was "in an excited condition. It is thought sho will be about again in a day or two,