A GHASTLY SUICIDE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 49, 25 September 1916, Page 4

A GHASTLY SUICIDE.

EX-MIDHIRST RESIDENT'S. DEATH. A pair of pruning shears was used by a retired farmer named William Earp to end his earthly career. The incident was mentioned in Saturday's issue, and further particulars of the deed are obtained from the Taranaki Herald. The deceased, who was fiftynine years of age, was dairying for many years in the Midhirst district, and when he sold his farm two years ago, he went to live at his property at Yogeltown. On receipt of the news, Mr A. Crooke, S.M. (Coroner), went out to deceased's residence, and formally opened an inquest. Mrs Earp gave evidence of identification, and said that at 9.15 in the morning her husband was in bed and she wont to get him a drink. Whilst away she beard a noise as though someone had fallen, and hurrying back to the bedroom found her husband lying on the floor with his throat cut. Her husband had been mentally depressed for the past two or three days, and in consequence she had hidden all implements. At the end of March last the deceased was admitted to Porirua, where ho remained for seven weeks. Two days before being committed to the asylum he attempted to commit suicide.

The inquiry was then adjourned until to-day, to take the evidence of Dr. Bladder.