INTENDED TO JUMP

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 155, 4 July 1927, Page 8

INTENDED TO JUMP

YOUNG MAN ON HIGH BRIDGE. WOMAN'S VOICE CHECKED HIM. THOUGHT OF HIS MOTHER. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON", this day. Pedestrians crossing the railway footbridge, which stands SO feet above the river, about 8 o'clock last night, saw a tall young man leaning despondent!}on the hand-rail. They gave him merely a passing thought, but when the bridge ' was clear he climbed over on to the railway line, and, making nis way to the outermost girders, which gave a clear drop into the water below, was apparently contemplating suicide, when he was checked by a woman's voice imploring him not to jump. According to the man himself this saved his life, for it brought to him a vision of his mother lying stricken with cancer in Sydney. It was because he could no longer contribute to his sick mother's support, through being penniless and out of work, that his thoughts turned to suicide when a fit of despondency assailed him. Constable Aplin, after having a talk with the man, decided that it was better in his own interests to give him a bed at the police station. His name is Ernest Lowe, and in a signed statement he said he was out of work, had no money, and owed his landlady for board. Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., said that while the man might havg nad an intention to commit suicide, he c?uld hardly liave been said to have attempted to take his life. One might pick up a pen with" the intention to write, but make no attempt to do so. Dean Barnett, who was present in the Court, said he had interested himself in the young man, and thought he would be able to secure him employment. The lady with whom Lowe had been boarding for several days also offered to put him up for some time free of cost. His Worship, In convicting and discharging the young man, told him not to abuse the generosity shown him and not to be so foolish again as to think of tak- | ing his life.