SUICIDE EPIDEMICS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5093, 25 February 1927, Page 2

SUICIDE EPIDEMICS.

U.S.A. AND SOUTH AMERICA.

MURDER TRIAL SEQUEL.

BUENOS AIRES, February 23

A wave of suicides is sweeping Argentina. Fifteen died from poison today. Over 300 people have poisoned themselves in the last four months, of whom 200 were in- Buenos Aires.

Cyanide potassium was the only poison used in all cases. The epidemic dates back .to a murder, at which it was brought out that the victim died from cyanide potos.sium. Much publicity- was given tne trial, and sensational newspapers even described how it was administered and what were the symptoms. Tire suicides comprise people of all ages nnd all classes, and have been committed in parks on the streets, and in cafes; The police are trying to influence the newspapers t,o give the. suicides less space. The Conservative journal is publishing antidotes and telling how to administer them, and is also urging control o’f the sale of cyanide. .FOGGED REASON. JAZZ AGE BLAMED. NEW YORK, February 23. The suicide epidemic among school children and young people in tlie United States has now resulted in 20 deaths. The epidemic, which has assumed sensational proportions, has resulted in inquiries being made of noted educators and ministers of the gospel. They variously ascribe it to the s<>called “jazz age,” or to the lack of beneficial parental influence and religious training. During the past week 11 suicides occurred, three being committed today.

To-day’s eases include that of a gifted young violinist, in New York who took gas. His parents ascribe his act to too -much study of the pessimistic philosophers. Another case is that of a girl o'f 19 in- Alabama who killed herself because she was tired of life, and a third that of a 17-year-old boy, who shot himself 'for no known reason.

Another boy, 18 years °'ld, who lives at Chicago, stabbed himself and is in a critical condition.

The ages of those who have taken their lives in the last two months range from 14 to 23 years.