SUICIDE OF JAMES GORDON.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIX, Issue 5084, 6 December 1873, Page 3

SUICIDE OF JAMES GORDON.

It was reported at the Newton Police Station, early yesterday morning, that a man, named James Gordon, a bl icksmith by trade, but who has lately been working as a miner at the Thames, had committed, suicide by drowning himself at Cox's Creek. The report proved to be unfortunately too true. Constable (Jlarko at once procured drags, and after a short time succeeded in finding the body, which was conveyed to the Star Hotel, Newton. An inquest on the body waa held at two o'clock, p.m. at the Star Hotel, Karangahape-road, before Dr. Philson, coroner. James N. Lyall, stated that deceased was a cousin of his, and had been staying at his house since the 2nd inst. He had previously been drinking heavily, and had been for the last few days in " tlie horrors " Witness bad been sitting up by night with deceased watching him. He had to leave the room for a short timo, and on returning deceased was missing. He observed spots of blood about the room, also a penknife stained with blood. He sent a man named Shoit, to give information to the police. Deceased was about 25 years of age. H.!J. Short was examined and confirmed the evidence of previous witness. — Constable Clarke proved finding the body in Cox's Creek. — Dr. J. B. Nicholson, held a post mortem examination of the body. Thorn were two stabs on the left breast, but influfhcient to cause dcith. He was of opinion that death was caused hy drowning — The Jury found that deceased had committed Buicido by drowning himself whilst in a state of temporary insanity.

Kate Field writes from London that Maik Twain lias been " endeavounng to instil civilization into the Shah l>y sitting on the floor and playing draw poker, and says that his august pupil makes wonderful pmj/i osh in tint) great American game, and will soon be able to play against the Ami'iicm Minister, or the brilliant editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal, who now pines in May Fair for a partner worthy of his deal."