DOUBLE SUICIDE AT WANGANUI.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1157, 13 April 1872, Page 2

DOUBLE SUICIDE AT WANGANUI.

Of the recent double suicide at Wanganui, of which we have published telegraphic' particulars, the Wanganui Herald, of the 30th ultimo/ publishes - fuller details. From these we gather that a . lad named James saw a , man and a woman conversing together on the bridge on Friday night and heard a heavy splash immediately after passing them. The Go-a-head people also heard the .noise 1 and put off a boat to ascertain the cause. On arriving underneath the. bridge, a gentleman's white hat, of the '*' bell-topper shape, and the lady's white straw hat with brown gossamar pn were found floats ing in the water. After putting off the steamer people said they heard feeble cries proceeding : from the water ; and a Mrs^Blair on the other side, of the river said she heard a moan. It appears: that the couple are not man and wife as wits at, first thought, nor could poverty and a consequent depression of spirits have been the : cause, as they had money and valuables, and Crossing only a few days before bought Mr Townsend's farm on the Brunswick Line! . The inquiries of the police discovered that the couple had brought, with them from Sydney a servant named Luscombe, and he states that Crossing left a wife and family in Sydney and brought the female with MmJ passing her off as :( his wife jthat lately he had been in a desponding state, and yesterday afternoon he gave him (Luscombe) a watch and pocket book to keep for him, and later still a roll of notes. In the pocket book was:, found a letter bidding farewell to hifl 'frienjSsJ and intimating contemplated suicide. The couple^ere seen about 8.30 p.m. at 1 the Red -Lion Hotelj where they had!called for some refreshment, partakipg of hot brandy, and water. The man was ia" stout elderly individual, apparently about 55 years of age, thV*female r beiijg only about > 20. From information received from a private source, it would appear, that! the sad ;an4 mysterious affair is the result of illicit love ; but time alone will unravel the mystery that enshrouds the affair at pres sent. '