EXTRAORDINARY SUICIDES.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 459, 30 January 1869, Page 3

EXTRAORDINARY SUICIDES.

Nelson papers record the death, by suicide, of Mr Joseph Porthouse, of the Royal Hole], Bridge-street. It appears that deceased has been suffering for some time from depression of spirits, and had been atteuded by Dr Cotterell, who understood him to be somewhat better. About eleven o'clock one forenoon last week he locked himself in his bedroom. On the door being found to be locked, an entrance was effected by a ladder to the bedroom window, where the deceased was discovered with a deep razor-wouud in his throat, and bleeding profusely. The bar lad immediately cave the alarm, and a medical attendant was speedily on the spot, but life was extinct. The Marlborough papers report that the dead body of James Keid was found a few days ago in a gully near the men's quarters at Mr Thomas Bed wood's, with the throat cut in a most frightful manner. There can be little room for doubt that the unfortunate man committed the act himself. In connection with these suicides, there are some remarkable incidents. Mr Porthouse, Mr Ewart of an hotel in Blenheim, and this James Beid, were all intimate friends in England, and, we believe, all of them came out to the colony together. Mr Eeid was at one time owner of tbe hotel, and from him Mr Ewart purchased it some time since, and Eeid was living with him as a lodger. Mr Ewart, on Friday, received a telegram renouncing Mr Porthouse's sad death, on receipt of which

he at once started for Nelson. On his arrival on Saturday he found a telegram waiting him announcing that Keid had cut his throat on Friday afternoon, at Blenheim. A curious fact has also came out respecting the weapon by which Mr Port'uouse effected his death. It has been recognised as one of a case of seven rasors presented to him by the deceased Reid who has also died by his own hand.