A SOLICITOR’S SUICIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1921, Page 5

A SOLICITOR’S SUICIDE.

OVERWORK AND BREAKDOWN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The adjourned inquest into the circumstances surrounding- the death of A. E. Skelton, solicitor, whoso dead body was found in the harbor off the beach at Devonport, on September -2, was held at the Magistrate’s Court before Mr. Poynton, S.M., coroner. Florence Skelton, widow of deceased, stated that he had had three or four nervous breakdowns during their married life. He had been worried on the day of his disappearance (August 19),' and she noticed that he was strange in his manner that morning. He came home from his office, a most unusual thing to do, first telephoning to ask her not to go out. He complained of his health, and in reply to her said it meant an operation, and that his condition was hopeless. He also said he was worried, as he had lost his grip Oi his work and could not follow his cases in court, and that there was only one thing to do, and that was to end it all. During the rest of the day she pleaded with him to face it out for the sake of the children. By 11 p.m. he appeared to be more reasonable, and witness tried to persuade him to g<>’ to bed, but he refused to do that, though saying they would lie down for a while. Witness dropped off to sleep, and when she awoke her husband was gone. He had never before suggested ending his life. Five years ago, when he had a nervous breakdown, the doctors said it was his brain.

Edward Campbell, chief bailiff at the S.M. Court, said he had known deceased. about 15 or Id years, and had had frequent business transactions with him. He called in at witness’ room at court a day or two prior to his disappearance, and asked him if he ever got pains in his head. Witness replied in the negative. Whereupon, deceased said: “If ever you do the easiest way to get rid of them is very" simple.” Witness told him not to be silly. Deceased laughed and left the room.

Frederick Baxter, journalist, deposed that he was a neighbour of deceased, whom he had' known intimately. Witness had never known a. happier family. Warwick L. Wilson, partner in deceased’s late firm, stated that when he last saw Mr. Skelton, on the morning of August 19, he appeared quite normal. Deceased had no worries outside of his work. He had been working tremendously hard of late, and witness had several times warned him that he would kill himself. Deceased had no financial worries, and had left his family provided for. He suffered from severe headaches sometimes, and had had several breakdowns, due, according to the doctors, solely to overwork. He had been insured for £lOOO since June, 1919.

The coroner brought in a verdict to the effect that deceased committed suicide by drowning while in a state of temporary insanity.