SUICIDE OF GEORGE EVANS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4508, 28 August 1893, Page 2

SUICIDE OF GEORGE EVANS.

The Inquest An enquiry into the death of George Evans, who 'committed suicide at Wclliugtoi. by poisoning on Friday morning, was held at the residence of the deceased on Saturday afternoon at 8 o'clock. Mr James Ashoroft, Coroner, presided. A jury of six were sworn in, the foreman being Mr B. Bailey Wright. Mrs Annie Evans deposed that her hußband wont away from home about 7 o'clock in the morning, saying that ho was going to the office. Hereturned about 9 o'clock, and after talk' ing for a few minutes, said he was going out to feed the pigeons. Talking up a cup, ho left the room. On his return he lay down on the bed; and in answer to questions, said that he had poisoned himself. Witness immediately telephoned for Dr Mackin, who arrived in a very short time, and ministered todeceased until his death Patrick Mackin gape evidenoe which went to show that the death of deceased,was caused by peritonitis as a result of corrosive poisoning. Constable Healy deposed to having found four letters on the body of the deceased, addressed to Mr Jellicoe, to the father-in-law of deceased, to Mr Plimmer, and to Mrs George Evans. The last letter was produced and was aB follows : 21/8/98. I Mv Dearest Annie.—l dnro not tell you the reason 1 have been so downhearted of late, but there is a grave charge against mo which you arc innocent of, I have known the last two years it has been workiug up. I can't live in gaol and know you are suffering, so I now choose death rather than be taken back to England and leave you hers to pine. You shall know the last of me, my own dear. Annie, my head is splitting. I cannot write on more. Good bye, and God protect you. From oue that cannot live without you.—Your loving one, George Evans.' John A. Pliramer, the next witness, deposed that deceased had been in his employ as foreman for some years. Ho was a workman and a sober man, but was subject to fits of depression, The charges against him for tho larceny of pigeons would be liable to put dewed in a very depressed state. Spirits of saltß were used in his business. Tho spirits ww kept in five gallon jaw and lucked up. The foro man had the keys, and if the liquid was wanted the men had to apply to him,

The jury returned a verdict of 'Suicide by corrosive poisoning, while in a Btate of temporary insanity.' The office in which the deceased is insured ia the A, M. P. Society,- N, &. Times.