ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1930, Page 5

ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE

(By TeJegrai * -Per Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, Aug. 4

William Henry Francis Parrish, an elderly man and a retired railway servant, committed suicide at Whites Bay near Blenheim yesterday under peculiar circumstances. He appeared very depressed and a friend named Airs V. Chapman took him for a drive to the Bay. On the return journey Parrish stated lie' felt unwell and asked Mrs Chapman to stop the car. He got out and said he intended to do away with himself and started off towards the sea about half a mile away. Airs Chapman ran after him, hung on to him and endeavoured to dissuade him from his purpose. He threw her ofF and rushed 1 into the breakers and disappeared. His body has not yet been recovered.

NOT DROWNED

PAHRISI-I COAIEB TO LIGHT.

BLENHEIM. Aug. 4

There was an extraordinary sequel to yesterday’s drowning- tragedy, at 10 o’clock this morning, when the supposedly drowned man rang up Police Sergeant Petersen from Taumarina. He is now in the lock-up little the worse for his experience except for bad bruises and a few minor cuts, ;

Apparently after he had been in the water for half an hour or so, a huge wave washed him up on the ' beach which was then in darkness, He wandered about for some time, and after begging food at a house where nothing was known of the supposed tragedy. lie resumed his wanderings until lie reached Taumarina as stated.