SUICIDE AT OHAUPO.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 465, 15 May 1912, Page 5

SUICIDE AT OHAUPO.

♦ ■ — YOUNG MANS'' RASH ACT.

TOO MUCH MONOTONY

[llV TKLKOn.VTH.—I'HKSS ASSOCIATION.] Ohaupo, Tuesday.

An inquest was held at Ohaupo today to inquire into the death of William Spencer Thirwald Morton, aged 18, who committed suicide about 10

a.m. on Monday. The evidence showed that deceased had been in the employ of Messrs Green and Colebrook for a considerable time, that his books were correct, and everything in order. He arrived at work yesterday, and appeared to be in his usual Bpirits, but subsequently remarked to a lady assistant that he was "sick of the work." Shortly afterwards the lady saw him near the office door. He then took a bottle from a shelf and drank from it in front of her. Deceased was always joking, and she did not attach any importance to the circumstance until she heard a assistance and detected carbolic acid running from deceased's mouth. She gave him mustard and water and telephoned to Te Awamutu for a doctor. Deceased appeared despondent just before that, and seemed to have the idea that nobody cared for him, but she had no idea that he had the slightest intention of taking his life.

Mr Oliver Garrett, baker at the ntore, said he went in response to a call for asisatance. Morton BBked him to remember him to his father and mother, remarking that he had cause in committing the act. On the office desk witness found a paper containing the words: "Good-bye, dear mother. Love and kisses to you all. Could not help it" Otther evidence showed that, though naturally of a bright disposition, deceased was tired of the monotony of the place, which is very quiet. A verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned.