SUICIDE AT MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5027, 16 May 1895, Page 2

SUICIDE AT MASTERTON.

A MAN HANGS HIMSELF. Shortly after noon to-day Sergt. McArdle received word that a fishmonger named Fred. Monk had hanged himself at his residence, at the corner of Itenall and Quoeu-sts. Proceeding to the house, tho police found the statement to be quite true, and on the body being examined by Dr. Butoment, he pronounced life to have been extinct several hours.

It appears that Monk seemed in his usual stato of mind last night, but retired at rather an earlier hour than usmil,saying to the hoy Heggie (who was employed by deceased,and sleeps on the premises) (Don't call me too early in tho morning." This was about half-past ten o'clock.

Acting on his instructions tho boy did not take any notice of tho fact that Monk did not come out of his room and hearing no unusual noise in the night, never suspected anything was wrong with his master. After the arrival of tho Wellington train, an expressman named Alfred Coy, called at the shop with a supply of fish, and asked for Monk. Ho was called, but not answering, the door was forced and tho man found hanging to a partition, and quite dead, as previously stated.

From all appoarances, the deed was a most deliberate one, as the man's feet woro only three inches from the floor, as after arranging tho rope ho must havo swung himself off his bod The top' of the partition was also only a few inches abovo the noose.

Deceased was partly undressed having only a shirt and drawers on when found. The body was cut down by Mr J, Elley, tho rope supporting it being a very light oue. Monk was well-known in Masterton, havingfor some years been an hotel servant at the Club and Occidental Hotels. Latterly lie took up the fishmongering business, and appeared to be doing well.

He was a robust strong looking man of fair complexion, about 40 years of ago, and standing about 5 feet 9 inches.

An inquest will bo held on the remains, at 2 o'clock this afternoon.