A STRANGE SUICIDE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3720, 18 October 1906, Page 3

A STRANGE SUICIDE.

Auckland, Yesterday. Inspector Cullen received the following note, dated 14th October: ' —“ To the Chief of Police, Auck- ; land,— On the top of Rangitoto will be found my dead body. Please deal with it as your laws direct.— Charles Reitch, alias Charles Pollard.” Two constables set out for the island at 7 o’ clock yesterday morning, and returned shortly belore 3 o’clock, bringing with them the body of Reitch, which they had found at the top of the cone as indicated. Deceased’s throat was cut, the jugular vein being severed, and in his right hand he held a razor. He was also severely cut about the abdomen. Seven yards away from where the body was lying was a wooden cross, sft 6in high, upon which was inscribed:—“Even though it be a cross,” The cross was smothered in blood. It is presumed that the deceased cut his throat while leaning on the cross. In one of the deceased’s pockets was a note addressed to the coroner explaining that the reason for the deed was to bring into prominence a work he had written, dealing with human personality.