ARRANGING HIS OWN FUNERAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1974, 29 June 1900, Page 6

ARRANGING HIS OWN FUNERAL.

Mr Alfred Hodgkinson lias received particulars of the death of Benjamin Charles Badham (60), an engineer, lately residing at 106 Woodland Park road, West Green, London. Just previously deceased's wife obtained a separation order against him at Tottenham, the magistrate ordering Badham to pay her £1 a week. Defendant told the Court he would sooner blow his brains out than pay a farthing, and he kept his word. He spent the afternoon with some friends, but at half-past six left them with a promise to see them next morning. At the hour arranged his friends called at the house, and, getting no reply, the police were communicated with, and an entry forced, when deceased was found lying in bed with a sixchambered revolvei- clasped in his . right hand. He had shot himself in the mouth, the bullet lodging in the brain. Two days before deceased had called upon a local undertaker and tried to arrange his own funeral. He wanted a man sent down to measure him for his coffin, and he also arranged to purchase a grave, as he said he did not intend living more than a. day or two. Before committing the rash act deceased had made a. will dividing his household goods amongst friend*.