DIED BECAUSE OF ETIQUETTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 47, 24 February 1923, Page 19

DIED BECAUSE OF ETIQUETTE.

Suicide during temporary insanity was the verdict on Mr. James Maurice Quinton, a schoolmaster. of Church Brookhnm (Hants), who was found shot in an express train between London and Reading.

Brlgadler-Geueral Francis Quinton said he knew of no trouble beyond depression after influenza. He received a letter from bis brother, in which he said: —

"I am in awful trouble and disgrace. Last night I determined to go away and shoot myself, as the only solution. Jn some ways I am not sure It would not be tho best, but it might make more publicity and hurt my mother more than myself. . .

"I have nearly gone mad during the last four or five days and nights since I realised tbe enormity of the position. I hnve already written you directions what to do after I have finished. Will you come np to London? Will wait for you at Charing Cross Hotel."

General Cjuinton said he did not get the letter in time to meet his brother, but sent him a long telegram to do nothing until they had met.

The Coroner: "What was the enormous trouble?"— The most trivial thing; bte delusion wns thnt be thought he ought to hare registered his name as a town member Instead of a country member of a London dub.

It only made a slight difference in the subscription?— Yes. and could have been put right in two minutes.

General Qulnton could give no reason for the tragedy beyond thnt—that his brother could not get it out of his head that he had acted dishonourably.