DRAMA OF RICHES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1933, Page 6

DRAMA OF RICHES

MISERY OF A LARGE FORTUNE

A! AN WHOM LEISURE KILED

The tragedy of a wealthy man, whose riches after his retirement from an active life failed to- eoinpeiusato for the' lack- of a hobby, is recalled bv the will .'published last month og Air Thomas John Hughes, of West Kirby, Ghosh ire. •

: Deceased left £95,246, with' net personalty £94,444, yet. despite this 1-iirge fortune he committed (suicide because, he had “nothing to do.” . And die was still comparatively a young man—only 45—when he died.

Afr Hughes sailed in the Liverpool to- Belfast oteamer Ulster Queen on April 14, and a few miles south of the Isel of Man he climbed on to the rail of the ship, shot himself through the head and dropped into the sea. Tho business. Air Hughes created when he was 22—-Alessrs T. J. Hughes, drajicr and outfitters, was one of the best known ini Liverpool. He founded it in a small shop with, five assistants, and when he retired three years ago it had grown to an establishment with 46 departments and 700 assistants. ■

To achieve this, Air Hughes gave himself no rest, from business for 20 years, and w’Pr, reputed never to hate taken a holiday. When at the age of 42 lie was persuaded to retire-, his immense energies were deprived of an outlet-; - :- ■ ; ' : ”

In his willy dated Afarcli 1 last, Air Hugherj stipulated that before bis burial a surgeon should sever one of his. main arteries. He also asked for a simple funeral and that none of bln relatives should wear mourning. His body, however has not been recovered.

Air Hughes left £IOO each to his bead buyer, Mis« Alky' Harris, his accountant, John William Atkinson, the Liverpool hospital Saturday Fund, ami the staff of T. J. Hughes and Co. for their' sports and athletic fund.