THE SUSPECTED CASE OF SUICIDE AT WANGANUI.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 556, 30 March 1876, Page 3

THE SUSPECTED CASE OF SUICIDE AT WANGANUI.

The following additional particulars with reference to this case arc taken from the Wanganui papers:—"About a quarterpast eight o'clock on Saturday evening, Mr P.. T. Davis, the late lessee of the bridge, who was occupied beneath it, heard a heavy splash in the water, followed immediately afterwards by a gurgling sound, resembling that caused by some one choking. He immediately ran up and informed the toll collector, Mr John Paton, who ran rapidly aloug the footway of the bridge, but could hear nothing. As he returned, he found a cap placed —apparently carefully—against the railing of the bridge, and close by, a telegram, unopened, addressed J. K. Pric 1 , Wanganui. This was the first clue to lead to the identity of the supposed suicide. An unsuccessful search was made for the body, which was, however, found next day by a native woman. It proved to be that of Price. The remains were conveyed to the Pier Hotel, where the corouer's inquest was held. On the person were found various books, docu meats, general effects, &c, but nothing to afford any clue as to the probable cause which led to his melancholy death. We learn that the life of the deceased was insured for the sum of £7OO. The widow arrived in Wanganui on Sunday evening, and a 3 may be supposed was terribly afflicted in consequence of her sad bereavement, but is convinced that the deceased met his death accidentally, as he was too fond of his home and family to think of attempting selfdestruction. At the inquest, it was elicited that the deceased had some time before been drinking heavily, and was suffering from the effects of the debauch. The jury having no positive evidence of how deceased got into the water, returned an oueu verdict of 'Found Drowned.'"