AGED MAN’S SUICIDE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1929, Page 3

AGED MAN’S SUICIDE

-STRUGGLE WITH DOCTOR-. "By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] GHRiISTCHTTRC-TT, Jan. 17. An inquest was opened to-day into the death of Terence Shannon, aged 70, who committed suicide yesterday by cutting his throat with a razor. Dr Stevens said lie saw Shannon some time ago. Me considered him mental and he had advised deceased’s daughter to have him sent to a mental JioiiiOi On Wednesday morning ho was summoned to the house and there found Shannon standing in front of a mirror with a wound in his throat, while he had a razor in his hand. Shannon was again attempting to cut his throat when witness seized his wrist and commanded him to drop the razor which he did. He then, tried to -<>( the wounded man on to a bed, but the latter threw himself on the floor. One of the neighbours assisted in getting him on to the bed. Shannon struggled violently when he tried to stop the bleeding. Witness made several attempts to attend to the wounded man but bis strong resistance prevented him from doing anything. V\ ituess found that there was less bleeding when he left him alone. The amlnihmee and police did not arrive until about an hour later. Witness found that the wound bad completely sever, ed the windpipe and be endeavoured to rush him with all speed to the hospitfal. To Coroner E. D. Mosley, witness said that- in his opinion Shannon was undoubtedly mental. He said that lie thought the Constable at North Brighton should be on the telephone. At this stage. Airs Barrabell. deceased’s daughter, asked the Coroner whether he thought that the life of her father could have been saved if the police and ambulance had arrived sooner. Mr Mosley; I don’t think so for one minute. I think Dr Stevens gave the best assistance that could possibly be given. ... Dr Stevens stated that in any case Shannon would almost certainly have died from pneumonia. The enquiry was adjourned till Tuesday.