SUICIDE OF MAN

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1930, Page 6

SUICIDE OF MAN

(WOMAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPT. (By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, Jan. 30. A plea of guilty to a charge of attempting to commit suicide was entered by Julia Hayes Cubitt (Mr Findlay) in the Police Court before Mr Hunt S.M., to-day. Chief Detective Hammond said the woman had been found unconscious on the eastern top deflector some weeks ago. She had been in hospital ever since. As she was helped into the Court room bv two men, Mrs Cubitt was trembling violently, and she sat throughout the proceedings with her head bowed. J.he accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence within six months

An inquest into the death of John Llewellyn Davies was then begun. “J. do not remember what happened on the water front, nor do I remember 'going into the water. My recollection is blank as to that.” Trembling, Mrs Cubitt indicated with a nod ol her head that the forgoing statement was her statement. She continued: ‘I was divorced some three years ago, following upon a deed ol separation between my husband and myself. I became acquainted with deceased some two years ago. I was with him on New Year’s .E-ve. I met him about 10 p.m. at the house of a relative of mine. I had been at my relative s house all day, and deceased came there by arrangement. There had been no talk of suicide up till then. We left my relative’s house between half past ten and half past eleven, and went into town. Wc walked, up and down the street for some time. Deceased was in a mental condition that I had never seen him in betore. He was terribly worried and melancholic, and was talking wildly. We finally arrived at a hotel in the city, where the deceased had a friend. I was very worried myself at the time, in fact- distracted. We went from the hotel to the waterfront, after halving written letters of farewell at the hotel. We had not agreed to commit suicide, but I knew that if deceased committed suicide, I could only ; do the same, and I was worried about him, and what lie would do. Mrs Cubitt, who is a midwife, aged 33, has been in Auckland hospital in a bad state, of health. Until to-day she was unable to tell her story of New Year’s Day waterfront tragedy. David L. Lewis, Assistant Manager of Radio Ltd., said he had worked for Davies for a number of years. For some time past he had seemed depressed and upset, and on December 30 he called witness into his office, and told him he was going to make an end of things. Later he seemed better. 'They 'h;t.l a drink together at the conclusion of the days work 011 .December. 31. For the past six months Davies had been in a very nervous condition. He had frequently complained, of pains and noises in the head, and said that he had not been sleeping well. Mr Hammond said deceased’s wife was in a state of collapse, and could not attend.

Alr Hunt: “What further evidence have we?” Afr Hammond: “We have evidence that tho deceased was in a state of infatuation with this woman, aiid also that lie intended to commit suicide.” John Francis Stone, taxi driver, said he took Davies and Airs Cubitt to Luna Park at 1.45 a.m. oh Jannuary 1. Davies asked him to drive a little further, and lie, did so. putting them down near the Yacht Club’s premises. Botli were sober. The only other witness I Would like to call would be, Mrs Davies,” said Air Hammond. “She won’t be able to tell us any more,” said the ALigistrate. Suicide by drowning was the verdict of the Coroner.