“TIRED OF LIFE”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8346, 5 February 1913, Page 7

“TIRED OF LIFE”

SO SHE TOOK POISON. STRANGE STORY OP GIRL IN MALE ATTIRE. Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 4. “Will the matron see me? Most important.” Such was- the text of a note pencilled in a clear, youthful hand and taken into the matron of the Salvation Army Rescue Home at Parnell (Adjutant Gordon) by a member of her staff a few minutes before seven o’clock last evening. Upon going to the front door the matron observed a youth, smartly attired in knee breeches, stockings, walking coat, fashionable collar and tie, and a straw hat—quite a dapper young person of substantial proportions. As the functions of the home extend only to girls, the matron naturally showed some hesitation in asking the youth indoors. The latter, however, with some agitation, explained that she was a girl in boy’s attire, which she had only pnt on at midday, and forthwith she was taken into tho matron’s office. Then, tho alarming statement was made that while entering the gate of the home, a minute or two earlier, the visitor had taken poison. _‘T did it,” she cried, “because I am miserable and tired of life.” Already the young woman was exhibiting signs of painful distress, and the matron, after telephoning to the police station close by, gave her a cup of salt and water, which induced sickness. Constables Donovan and Magee were quickly on tho scene, and they sent for Dr. Kinder, who manipulated tho stomach pump and ordered the speedy removal of the patient to the district hospital. Her condition was serious, but, after . treatment overnight, she was reported this morning as being quite out of danger. The young woman gave tho name of Florence Marks, but although the patient had recovered sufficiently this morning to xnako any statement, no information was forthcoming from her as to why she donned male attire. She said last night that her life had been made miserable, and that in a mood of depression she bought some boy’s clothes in the city yesterday with tho intention of covering up her movements. When she took the poison she was in an excited condition. It is thought she will bo about again in a day or two.