DETERMINED SUICIDE AT THE ARROW.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 27, 8 January 1864, Page 2 (Supplement)

DETERMINED SUICIDE AT THE ARROW.

(From the Olug*, Times Correspondent.) I An inquest was held on the 29th December, before L. Broad, Esq., R.M., Coroner, on the body of George Alexander Couroy, a miner, who died the clay previously from the effects of strychinne administered by himself. i The following jury was imcannelled : — W. G. Paterson, foreman ; R. Prifcchard, J. Rvau, W. Spencely, J. Forster, W. Melody, 11. Mace, Max. Mendershausen, E. T. Pain, J. Curwen, T. L. Wickons, G-. Burrowes. Abraham Gardiner had seen the body of the deceased, who. was a mate of his. His name was George Conroy. Was with him yesterday at Mrs \\ r ilson's about two p.m. Had a conversation with him about the sports. Observed nothing unusual in his manner. Noticed him drinking porter and wine before dinner time. Came down from the terrace before deceased, who was talkiuo* about the match and seemed in good spirits. Witness took up a book and was sitting reading in the inner room at Mrs Wilson's. Deceased went out to the other room and presently returned aud commenced writing at the table. He then took a teacup from the shelf and filled it with water. Witness did not remark any small paper iv deceased's hands; but on going into the outer room noiieed two small pieces of paper near the door, picked them up and found them marked "Strychnine poison." Witness tore them up. Deceased then came out and went into the street. Witness noticed a peculiar expression in his countenance and a general agitation, lie then suspected that he might have taken something from the paper. Eolloived him down the street, overtook him and asked what was the matter. Deceased made no reply. Witness then took him into Samper's s(ore and laid him on the bed, sendiug immediately for Dr. Douglas. About half an hour elapsed between his drinking the water from the cup and the arrival of the doctor. Deceased was a frequent visitor at Mrs Wilson's, she had been remonstrating with him for spending his money so recklessly. To my knowledge there was no disagreement between them. He deposited £20 to Mrs Wilson's account at the Bank yesterday morning, the money was not his own. Mrs Wilson asked him in witness's presence to pay it in for her. The letter produced is in "the handwriting of deceased. Alexander h"ox, a druggist residing at the Arrow, recollected a person coming to his shop on Saturday, the 26th December; recognised the deceased as the same. He asked for 2s worth of strychnine, representing himself as a storekeaper residing iv the township. He said he was going away for a short time and was going to lock up his place and leave poison laid for the rats. He appeared quite cool and calm all the time. The quantity of strychnine given him was seven grains, wrapped up in two papers, each marked ''Strychnine poison/ The quantity is not an unusual one for the purpose of poisoning rats. It is not usual to sell strychnine to everyone. Witness always made inquiries, but as he knew deceased by appearance, he believed his story that he was a storekeeper. Basil Rout, v a storekeeper, saw the deceased yesterday afternoon, about 3.30 p.m. He was in convulsions in Samper's store. Dr. Douglas came in and asked him what he had been doing, he .answered that he had no wish to Hye. r [-.y ..' .';,'/.' "■ /. .. ... . :.' .... : James Douglas, a duly qualified mcdi- t cal practitoiner, was called yesterday ■ afternoon j' We 28th inst., to see the deceased,- who. was in Samper's store. On going" there found Gonrpy lying affected "with tetanio spasms, which led

' witness to believe he hnd taken strychnine. Asked him what he had taken, lie said, " it docs not matter, I do not wjsh to live. 1 ' Witness then administered suitable antirfotes-for poisoning by strychnine, and after doing so, demanded whether he had taken strychnine or riot. He said he had. Witness then, asked him how much he had taken, he answered, two shillings worth. Witness, at the time he first saw deceased, had no hope of saving his life. He lived about three hours after taking the poison. llichard Barrett, ,a detective constable, yesterday, at four p.m., received information that a man had poisoned himself. Fonnd him in Mr Samper's store. His name was Couroy. He was apparently insensible. Took possession of what property he had upon him, includ.ing a purse containing L 2 19s, the likeness of a woman (.Mrs Wilson), and the two letters produced. Witness remained in attendance until he died; The following. are copies of the letters found upon deceased .■:: — "Dec. '29th, 1563. Dear Sarah,— By' the time you read this I shall iv all probability be no more. I see that you can never truly love me, and there is nothing else in this.:., world I care to live for. 1 hope God will forgive me the act by which 1 terminate the life he gave me. God bless you, Sarah, yours, G. A. ConrOy. Mrs Wilson." " Arrow River, 26th Dec., 1863. Dear Sarah, — When you read this I shall in all probability be no more. I see you can never truly love me. and as I have no other thought or tie in this world." * * * The jury returned the following verdict : — " That the said George Alexander Conroydied from the effects of strychnine, administered by his own hand, on the 28th December, 1863, at the Arrow township.