HANGED HIMSELF.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 162, 14 August 1914, Page 5

HANGED HIMSELF.

A YOUTH'S SUICIDE. William C. Graham, aged 19 years, committed suicide shortly after. .4 p.m. yesterday by hanging himself at his father's workshop at 166 St. Asaph Street. The deceased, who resided in Dyer's Pass Boad had apparently been depressed during the past few days. About 4 v o'clock yesterday he left his father's office, andCas he did not return a search was made and deceased was, found hanging from a ' beam in the lavatory with a'woollen scarf round Ms neck. The body was taken down, but Dr Thomas, who was at once called, pronounced life extinct. AN INQUEST. An enquiry concerning the tragedy was held by Mr H. W. Bishop, *S.M., District Coroner, at the morgue this afternoon. Peter Graham, father of deceased, stated that his son was 19 years old last month, and was learning carpentering. He had been in good health, but since last Sunday he had been very nervous and depressed. On Tuesday, Dr Gibson saw him, and said that there was little the matter with Mm; he would be alright in a few days. He was then in bed, but Dr -Gibson said he should get up. When twelve years old, he had suffered from a severe concussion that had left him unconscious for a couple of days. Dr Gibson thought that this might have affected him. Lately deceased had not slept. He had had some love trouble and had said that he did; not have much to live for. His greatest trouble seemed to be about the worry he was giving his father and mother. Witness last saw him alive at 3.55 p.m. yesterday. Deceased, who had accompanied witness to the latter's office, went into an outhouse, and when he had been there for about twenty minutes witness went out and found him hanging from a beam of the roof, by the scarf which he had been wearing. Artificial respiration was tried, and Dr Thomas was called in. Dr P. G. Gibson stated- that he attended the boy seven years ago for a blow on his head. Since then, about five years ago, witness had examined him and found him normal in every way. Witness stated that when he saw deceased on Wednesday, and conversed with him for about half-an-hour, he found no signs of acute brain disturbance. Deceased complained of want of sleep, and spoke of his love trouble. Witness was of opinion that he was in a condition of impulsive insanity when he committed suicide. The old injury to the head might have been a factor. The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased had committed suicide whilst of unsound mind.