A PRISONER'S SUICIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1920, Page 6

A PRISONER'S SUICIDE.

JUMPS OVER QUARRY EDGE. INCIBENT AT NEW PLYMOUTH GAOL. A prisoner named. Allen Talbert, aged 05 years, undergoing sentence at New Plymouth gaol, succumbed', at 6 p.m. on Friday from severe shock as the result of jumping over the cliff at the edge of the quarry in the gaol grounds, on Friday afternoon about 4.30. The fall ts between 50ft. and 60ft., but, when picked up. the prisoner was found not to have sustained any fractured limbs, though ho was in an unconscious state. He rallied a little, but died about ten minute's to six that evening. He had been in the gaol since August 21, 1918, having been sent on transfer from Wellington, where he had been committed by the Supreme Court to three years' hard-labor and five years' reformative -treatment for a second offence of indecent assault. Talbert had just completed his term of hard labor.

THE INQUEST.

At the inquest held before Mr.„T. A. B. Bailey at the gaol on Saturday, evidence in regard to the occurrence was given by Edgar Potter lister, temporary warder, who said he was in charge oi the Tear portion of the gang on Friday, Talbert being the last man in the &h When they got to the sliprails at ..a top*of the hill Talbert stopped to' put up {he rails, as wag his duty, and Witness was a few steps down on the track. Talbert completed the last rail, and witness advanced a few paces higher. (Deceased turned as if to go on with the gang,' but after going a few paces he said, "Good-bye, friend/' slipped under the wire, and jumped over the cliff, going almost directly down till he touched the tramway line. Witness was not in a position to have helped, even if he had realised the prisoner's intentions; the whole affair was instantaneous. After the occurrence, witness informed the offizer in charge of the gang. Evidence given by the prisoner who was next to Talbert in the gang was that the deceased passed some remark to the officer, then he said: "Here goes," jumped under the wire, and went over the bank. He caught on some bushes, but kicked himself clear, rolled on to the tramline, and thence into the quarry. Talbert had told witness previously about going to jump over it, but witness did not take any notice of it. If anyone annoyed him be expressed these intentions. He was very easily. annoyed. Witness heard that some of the prisoners were "skylarking" with Talbert on Friday. Dr. H. A. McCleland, goal surgeon, said he was called to the goal about 4.45 p.m. and found Talbert unconscious and suffering from severe shock. On examination he could find no evidence of any bones having been broken, but there was a slight abrasion on the tip of the nose. After a few miniites he became partially conscious and was given a stimulant. Witness gave instructions that prisoner was to be removed to the padded cell and kept under constant observation and attcnticii. Talbert, on regaining consciousness, complained of pains in the back and, asked to be turned over on his side. After seeing his instructions carried out, witnefis left, but about six o'clock was again called and found the prisoner dead. Death was due to severe shock caused through a fall. John Downs, gaoler at the prison, said Talbert was in* good health. He was employed in the quarry gang napping stone, and worked all day yesterday till the usual knocking off time. About 4.39 witness was called by the principal warder and told that the prisoner Talbert had gone over the cliff. He immediately proceeded out to the quarry. En route he ordered a party to go down and carry In the man, and also sent for the doctor. Witness proceeded with the party, and found Talbert breathing heavily. Later the neecssary instructions of the doctor were carried out. At ten minutes to ,six, howevjer), Talliert expired. Be did not know of any reason for Talbert's act. On one occasion he <omplained that one of the men had' annoyed him, and said it would have to be stopped. Witness ga,ve instruction:? that the elderly prisoners were to be placed at the rear of the gang going to and from the work, and requested the warder to keep an observation for any such happening. The finding was that Talbert met his death by suicide, and that there was no evidence of negligence on the part of the gaol authorities.