A PATHETIC STORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1922, Page 4

A PATHETIC STORY.

SUICIDE OF A HUSBAND. DEPRESSED AT LOST LOVE By Telegrapii.—Press AssociationWanganui, Last Night. Pathetic evidence was given at an inquest this afternoon on Douglas Earlesl who was found dead yesterday. Deceas-I ed was an old and well-known resident" He had for some time given way tu drink, as a result of which he lost a good tailoring business. His wife on Monday obtained a separation order, which apparently broke Earles’ heart, as he was very fond of ids wife and family. The wife, who was of a nervous disposition and a long sufferer from illness, was also fond of her husband, but her health forbaue continued worry. Earles went to the police sergeant and begged him to urge his wife to hold on till June next, when, if prohibition was carried, he thought they could live together happily. The wife, however, went on with the separa-

Earles, calling at a chemist on the way from the court, bought prussic acid, which he took after reaching home. Before taking the fatal step he wrote a pathetic note to his wife, saying he could not live without her, and acknowledging that his weakness was the cause of all the trouble. He concluded: “Good-bye, I will meet you all in Heaven.”

A second letter, also to the wife, and timed 12.35, half an hour before he was found dead, ran: “I hope prohibition will be carried. My will is just th« same for you as my love was. I cannot live without you and the children. — (Signed) Daddy.” Directions regarding the funeral were also given, including a request that a postcard portrait ’of hit wife should be put in the coffin. The verdict was that deceased committed suicide during a period of mental depression.