SUICIDE IN HOSPITAL

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 14, 12 October 1926, Page 9

SUICIDE IN HOSPITAL

patient makes will and cuts HIS THROAT.

Dominion Special.

Christchurch, October 11. Before taking his breakfast on Saturday, Thomas McLennan, a hospital patient, insisted on making his will, as he said he might be poisoned. About roiddav he cut his throat with a razor, and died in the evening. McLennan, who was single and 40 years of age, was also known as John Clark. An inquest was opened by Mr. H Y. Widdowson, S.M., this morning. George Frizzell, stock agent, and part owner of the Castle Hill station, on the West Coast road, said that McLennan worked on the station for two or three years as head shepherd, and left about six months ago. He was known as John Clark, and bad relatives at Maheno, Otago. He suffered from illhealth. McLennan had about .£7OO on deposit with a local firm. Dr. H. T. Jennings, house surgeon at the hospital, said that McLennan had been in the institution about four months ago, and was told to return for an operation. McLennan told witness that he had made some, money at the races, and had been drinking heavily. He did not appear to be depressed on Saturday, but he would not eat his breakfast. He said that he wanted to make his will, as he might be poisoned. Witness got some paper, and McLennan made his will, after which he took some coffee. He was given an injection to quieten him. After McLennan cut his throat an operation was performed, but his condition was low. Witness saw him twice during the afternoon, and on the second occasion McLennan told him that ho wanted to die. The sister in charge of the ward said, that McLennan, who was in a room off the ward, was seen frequently during the morning. When she found McLennan with a wound in his throat, ( she endeavoured to take the razor from him, and he resisted. Sergeant Almond asked if it were customary to allow patients to have access to their razors. The witness replied that all patients who shaved themselves had their razors unless there was a doubt about their mental condition. The inquest was adjourned.