A HUMAN WRECK.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3055, 13 February 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

A HUMAN WRECK.

A man with a wretched woebegone expression, and au utter appearance of physical collapse, was brought before the stipendiary at Sheffield, recently charged with threatening to commit suicide at the Midland station. He was accompanied by a woman, whose countenance was exproFsive of much misery, and who. during the time awaiting the disposal of the charge list, wept bitterly. The pair are known in music - hall circles as Alf Baker and Nellio Beresford, performing a sketch entitled, 11 Night Duty; or, the Dark Side of a Bobby's Life." They had been three weeks ago performing at a local music-, hall. Geo. Wisby, the station policeman at tho Midland station, said that at 10.50 that morning Baker came lip to him and said, " Take charge of me I am tired of my life, and I intend throwing myself in front of the train. I want rest, and that is the only way to get it." Ho called Police-Constable Elliot, and to this officer Baker told the same story. Prisoner leaned with his back against the solictor's bench and listened with moody indifference to the recital of tho officers. Asked what he had to say, be made no reply. The wouian with him, who in her statement said she lived with Baker as bis wife, at GO, Russel-street, iu Sheffield, for same weeku past, took up the tale, and addressed the stipendiary : He has been iu a desponding state for some time past. It seems as if nothing would liven him up, Wo are "billed" for Middlesbrough, and ought to be there to-night. He has been out of work for some time, and uow that ha ha* got a bit of luck he seems to have fallen away altogether. Baker: I am a human wreck. It is not that I drink. I never have drunk. Beresford : No, no one can say that. Baker: My system seems all out of sorts altogether. Beresford : He has done a lot of writing. He is an author. He has not been able to do anything the last twelve months. He seems to have collapsed altogether. The Stipendiary: Have you auy friends in London ? —Beresford : He has a mother at Paddington. Baker : I am a cosmopolitan. For eight or nine years I have been travelling about. Beresford: He complains that his memory is going. When he is on the stage he puts his hand to his head and staggers. He is supposed to be the first who took "the dark side of a policeman's life." If he would only pluck up he would be all right. (Turning to Baker): Why don't you pluck up ? Baker : Ido not seem well enough to work. I seem to have no energy. I seem to be half dead. The Stipendiary : Have you had plenty of food ? —Beresford : He has had what I could give hi n. Baker: No, I have not had food, Beresford : I have crocheted from eight in the morning until 9 at night since we have been out of work. He has had bis meals regular—what he has had. I have had no sleep for four days and nights watching him. Baker. It is all worry. I have had nine month's continual worry. Beresford: He allowed his mother 10s. 6d. a week, and has not been able to do so lately, and that has preyed upon his mind. The Stipendiary : What will you do ? Beresford: I have 35., and have wired to the Mayor of Middlesbrough, who owns the music-hall, for our fares to be paid at the other end. Baker : But I oannot work. I would rather stay and see a doctor. I should have been there to rehearsal. Beresford : You have been there bofore, and don't need any rehearsal. Besides (addressing the stipendiary ), if he only puts in an appearence, I will pull him through, and he has friends there. The Stipendiary: What will you do ? We can help ycu to get to Middlesborough or we can get him looked after by a doctor.—Bereßford : Thank you; if I get him to Middlesborough he will be all right. Baker :_ I cannot go. I cannot work, The Stipendiary ; Very well, wo will see that you get food and have a doctor. Baker w»» removed for the atteudance of the police surgeon.