SUICIDE TRYSTS.

Auckland Star, 2 September 1933, Page 4 (Supplement)

SUICIDE TRYSTS.

JAPANESE PSYCHOLOGY. TRAGEDY IN GAY RESORTS. It is puzzling the authorities coneernc to find out why some well known sea re sorts near Tokyo which are yearly visited by a large number of people in summer, arc chosen for the purpose of self-destruc-tion. Tho beauty of nature, coupled with the theory that one's mortal remains are taken tare of forever by the boundless ocean, imposing a welcome silence- over tragedies and affording a final refuge for those weary of life, is thought to be the potential cause for attracting those intent upon suicide. Besides, there are many associations with the sea spun from romances which live in people's minds and no doubt-act as stimulants. According to an old policeman long on duty at Kamakura, 20 to 30 suicides yearly take place there; this record is followed by the deaths at Enoshima, Kugenuma, Koslngoye, and Katase. Of course, poetic sentiment enters the act of many a oouple who commit suicidemost of whom are lovers whose desire to be united cannot be realised. Moon-lit waves, their soft persuasive radiance penetrating deep into one's soul, from which nothing can be concealed, and which appear to read one's last chapter in life, attract many with irresistible torce. "I'm keeping watch like this every night," said a guardian of the law posted on the beach, whose experienced eyes take in the whole locality at a glance. The moment the least suspicious figures aTe seen, he follows thorn, and, if possible, tries to stop them from death. In one case a daughter of a well-to-do woollen cloth merchant of Yokohama was saved. Her parents every year send a gratuity to the local fishermen who were instrumental in saving her life.