PATHETIC SLMUDI

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1923, Page 4

PATHETIC SLMUDI

The terribly-mutilated body of Percy .Smith was found on the railway line near Leigh-on-Sea. The father. Arthur .Smith, said that a month ago his son. while carrying £ll7. wn.s stopped by a man on the staii.s of his firm’s premises and knocked down with a heavy spanner and robbed. I ■Al y son had been depressed ever since,” added Afr Smith. Airs .Marie Reed, occupant of a houseboat in the creek cf Leigh, said she went to Smith with a view of rendering assistance. ‘‘l asked him.” she stated, "if he had any last message, and he said. 'God bless mum and dad and Lily.' ‘’Then lie asked me if anyone was about. I told him ‘No.’ He lifted his one remaining hand and made the sign of the cross, at the same time saving, ‘ln God's name.’ ‘The hoy asked mo to kiss him. and I"did so. Aftarjfrtffds lie put his hand in his ] ticket atH gave me some letters.”

A police officer said he had made inquiries, and found that the story of the robbery had been viewed with suspicion by the firm, and he had been suspended. One cf the letters (written by Smith) contained the following passages: "I am going with a goixl spirit for nothing at all. It is rotten to Ire suspected whilst innocent.” A verdict of “suicide whilst of unsound mind” was returned.