Sensational Suicide.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 237, 11 April 1896, Page 2

Sensational Suicide.

A MAN SHOOTS HIMSELF IN A SHOP. (Per ress Association.) Wellington, April 10. Quite a sensation was caused in Manners-street this evening by a determined suicide committed in G. \V. Smart's pawnshop. About 8.30 Frederick Helton, boot finisher, formerly engaged in Staples' boot factory, but recently out of work, walked into the shop, declaring he wished to purchase a revolver. Walter Smart, brother of the proprieter, produced a small six chambered weapon, and noticing that Heiton was fitting in cartridges, warned him not to do so in the shop. Deceased replied " Sometimes the} r catch on the rim." While the back of the assistant was momentarily turned to remove from his hands the grease which had been on the revolver, Heiton raised the weapon to his head and fired, the bullet entering the right side just above the temple and burying itself in the skull. Heiton fell to the floor, and medical assistance was at once summoned, and although alive when Drs Chappel and Pollen reached the scene, it was apparent his life was slowly ebbiug away, and the unfortunate man died at 8.50 p.m. Deceased never spoke, and no cause is assigned, but he had been drinking lately He was about 35 years of age married, and leaves a widow and four children. A few moments before the tragedy was committed he was in conversation with a friend, and while signs of a recent drinking bout were apparent, he gave no indication of an attempt on his life. When asking to see the revolver he said he was going up the country in the morning. Heiton took cartridges to the shop with him.