SUICIDES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1987, 28 December 1889, Page 4

SUICIDES.

Dtjnedin, Dee. 20. | The medical evidence at the inquest showed that Ashcroft died from hemorrhage five hours after he was discovered in St. Paul's by the verger. He had been bleeding to death during that time. He was conscious when admitted to the hospital. the doctors asked bim in what position be held the pistol and he replied in his right hand. In a note book in his pocket were found these pencilled memoranda: —" 1 a.m, prayed for my wife and children ; 1.30 a.m., still do.; 2 a.m., very cold, in great distress ; 3 80 a.m., must have slept; 4 a.m., very cold and hopeless ; 4.15 a.m., daylight, Oh ! the agony of this night; 4.30 a.m., Blank." Mr Ashcroft, the Official Assignee, uncle of the deceased, said be had cautioned him against rash mining speculations, bat understood that he had arranged his difficulties. Had witness known he was in financial trouble he would have assisted him, but he was very reticent about his affairs. Mr A. Grant, District Traffio Manager said that he found the follow ing letter in hia desk this morning : "Diioedin, 19th Dec. 1889. Memo, to the District Traffic Manager. Dear Bir, —I hereby tender my resignation as a servant of the Kailway Commissioners. I shall be glad aUo if you will kindly advise the Commissioners that 1 elaim compensation from the 22nd January, 1877, to February of the present year. I have the honour to be Sir, Tour obt. servant, G-eo. H. Ashcroft." Deceased had never spoken about resigning. Witness was afraid that there were some discrepancies in his books. Deceased had told witness that the pnvata business he had was mining matters which he had got put right. George Esther, who knew deceased intimately, deposed to deceased telling him that he was seriously involved owing to mining speculations, but that the investments would be all_ right shortly. Deceased said to him he should go mad. He mentioned £4OO as the amount he was in trouble about.

The jury returned the following verdict, " That the deceased died from the effects of a pistol shot fired by himself, and that there are circumstances which lead the jury to conclude that his mind for the time being was off the balance." Wanganui, Dec, 20.

A well-known identity namedEeuben Bason was discovered this morning by his son shot through the head. Deceased was last seen on Tuesday at 8 a.m. by his son, when he told him he was going to work at Turakina. The gun was found clasped in his hand», and it is thought Bason must have been standing and fired it off with a firestick as there was no cap on it. The gun was loaded with slugs. Deceased left a note in which was " Go and tell Bill at once."