AN AUCKLAND SENSATION.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6546, 15 September 1886, Page 3

AN AUCKLAND SENSATION.

I-BBSS AStOCIA—[OtT T. HL-GBAM.I AUCKLAND, September 14. Henry Hall, better known as Harry Hall, aged forty-five, who has been employed for years as ticket taker at the Opera House and Theatre Boyal, attempted suioide to-night at his lodgings, by firing a pistol into bis mouth. He was found lying on the floor, bleeding profusely. He used an old theatrical property pistol, with a large charge of powder, but no ball. The discharge smashed his face and shattered! his jaw 8. He still lies in great ugony, but the doctors state his injuries are mortal. Hall is conscious, and made hia will, and made a statement aa to the cause for the act, but this document is reserved awaiting events. It has transpired he was in the habit of bookmaking on the races, and had recently lost some wager 3. His mind seemed to be affected, and he complained within the last few days "that they Bet a trap for him," and " they were all in it." There is no doubt this betting delusion was the immediate cause of the act, but in his written statement he made this accusation, mentioning two names, which have not transpired. Three men were with him a short time previously to the act, one of them to pay him a small bet. Later. Hall has died of his injuries. Before dying he wrote his will on a theatrical poster. The salary due to him at the Opera House is to be given to hiß mate and fellow-lodger, Edward Bread; his watch and chain to his uncle, Mr Hall, saddler, of Gisborne; aud money and land to hia brother, whom he b—t heard of at Wha_ garei.