Dramatic Telegram.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 June 1911, Page 4

Dramatic Telegram.

STOKY OF A STAGE-STRUCK OFFICE BOY. Ernest Biggs, aged fourteen, who had been addicted to the reading of books and papers of a sensational character, aud who had also recently developed a passion for acting, on his way to work the other day sent a warning telegram to his mother, and was found Inter with a bullet wound in his right temple in an office at Gray's Inn road, W.C. Mrs Biggs, who resides with her son at Xew Compton street. Charing Cross road, received a telegram in the morning as follows:—" An revoir. You will hear the result in an hour's time.—Ernie." She went to the office of her son's employers on receipt of the telegram, and found that the hoy had been removed to the Royal Free Hospital. So far as is known he was the first to arrive at the office, and when n clerk came in about nine o'clock ho found the boy lying unconscious on. ithe floor un a pool of blood with a revolver by his side. 'Hie boy's mother said that he was given to reading sensational literature, and had always had some boys' paper or hook in front of him. He luul excellent testimonials from h.'s schoolmaster, who had taken him to the performance of "Henry VI IT.'' at his Majesty's Theatre, and ew.r since ho had been playing ah .iclmg Mrs Biggs did not know where her son got the revolver. The boy's employers state that he came to them afoont six weeks ago direct from school, and (he seemed to be quite happy. The revolver found was one of an up-to-date typo. The lad subsequently recovered.