SOLICITOR’S SUICIDE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1931, Page 8

SOLICITOR’S SUICIDE

FINANCIAL WORRY. CHRISTCHURCH, February 5. K. Ncave, of the firm of Lane. Neave and AYanklyn, solicitors here, was found shot this morning at bis home. An inquest was held this afternoon by Mr H. A. Young. S.M., on Neave. Douglas Ended 'Wnnklyu. of tHe legal firm. Neave and "Wnnklyu, identified the body. He stated Neave was 58 years of age. "Witness last saw him at 9.30 this morning. There apparently was nothing unusual in his demeanour. Later he received a call from Neave’s house and there saw Neave’s body in the garage. Neave iiad handled some large estates, which were affected by depression. Neave was a wealthy man. Apart from his interest in the firm, lie would be worth, on a conservative estimate, fifty thousand sterling, even taking into account the depressed state of all the markets. Witness knew Neave was very worried about the financial conditions generally and over the affairs of some of liis clients. Witness produced a letter written b.v Neave to him dealing mostly with the affairs of the firm’s clients.

The Coroner, after reading the letter, said Neave had stated he did not feel equal to carrying the responsibilities that had devolved upon him. He bad taken on far too much, and did not feel lie had the ability to carry such a heavy load. The writer further stated lie bad been overworked for years, and had conic back from a holiday feeling a nervous wreck. On the envelope of the letter, addressed to Wanklyn, bore the following message: —-“The earthquake finally maddened me!” The Coroner said the letter was of a hysterical nature, showing the state of deceased’s nerves and mind.

Frederick Brown, employed as butler for Neave, gave evidence of finding the body in the garage. A gun, both barrels of which had been fired lay near him. The Coroner returned a verdict tiiafc Neave died of a gunshot wound selfinflicted. while in a state of depression, due to the existing conditions.