LATEST TELEGRAMS SUICIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8061, 17 March 1906, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS

SUICIDE.

FKK MESS ASSOCIATION Dukkdi.v, March 16. J, E. Sargent, accountant at Thompson and Bridger's hardware establishment, shot himself at his place of business, whither he went at nine o'clock last night, saying he had to resurno work. His wife expected him to return at miduight, but as ho failed to do so sho left for the'olllec, and discovered a light there. The manager being appealed to, opened his premises aud|fouud Sargent lying dead with bullet holes through both temples, and a revolver alongside. There was no one else in the place. The firm's books aro all right, and thero is no cause to explain the act. Sargont loaves a wife and two children.

THE INQUEST,

THE EFFECT OF OVERWORK

Dcxedin, March 16.

At the inquest held on Joseph Ernest Sargent, who was found dead in the shop of his employer's, the evidence of Dr. Fulton, who saw deceased several months ago, was to the effect that the man was in a state of nervous prostration, and worried over trifles to a stale bordering on insanity. He told him he should ask for three months' leave, and go for a complete rest and change. As the man had not done so he was not in the least surprised at what ha.; happened. Deceased's wifo and father deposed that Sargent was overworked. Ho worked from 9 a.m. till about midnight, and sometimes on Sunday. He told his wife he had made mistakes, and ho would end in gaol or a lunatic asylum. J. C. Thompson, managing director of Thompson, Bridger and Co., said that with the exception of two or three days at the beginning of the month, the staff were never back after hours, which wcro from 9 to 5.30. He was not aware that deceased went back. Witnoss went back occasionally, but very seldom if ever saw, deceased there. He was a most accurate worker and his work was most up to date. There was nothing in his appearance to suggest there was anything wrong with him. In saying lie had mado mistakes, he was suffering from hallucinations. Had he asked for a holiday he would have got it at once. If witness had any idea deceased wont back on Saturdays and Sundays, he would have stopped it at onee. The jury returned a verdict tint deceased committed suicide while in & state of temporary insanity.