YOUNG GIRL'S SUICIDE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 350, 10 May 1928, Page 16

YOUNG GIRL'S SUICIDE

POISON ON BREAD WIDOW GIVES EVIDENCE Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Wednesday. A girl, May Belle Soper, aged 16, residing with her widowed mother at Woodlands, near Invercargill, died of poisoning to-day, a battle being found on the table at her bedside. She left a short note regarding the disposal of her belongings. At the inquest the mother of the girl said at times she thought her daughter looked worried. She knew about a month ago that her daughter was in trouble, but the girl had never indicated her intention to commit suicide. Mrs. R. E. Soper, daughter-in-law of the previous witness, said when she went to call the girl she found her lying across the bed, apparently in great pain. Witness asked what was wrong, but received no answer. While the doctor was present a piece of bread was found on the dressing table. It had been buttered and smeared with poison, and one bite had been taken out of it.

Robert Edward Soper, brother of deceased, gave evidence as to administering an emetic, which was not successful. He said he had been using poison for rabbits, and kept it in a cupboard. The bottle, which was produced in court, had been nearly full, and he could see a good deal had been taken out of it.

The acting-coroner, Mr. James Ward, returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed suicide by taking poison while suffering from severe mental strain.