SUICIDE INDICATED

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 September 1938, Page 2

SUICIDE INDICATED

RADIO SALESMAN’S DEATH. Letters, indicating his intention to commit suicide, were left by Humphrey Sabiston Campbell, 29, married, radio salesman, whose body was found in the bush near Taylorville, on Saturday morning. There was an extensive head wound, and a shotgun was found beside the body. . An inquest was opened at Greymouth, on Saturday afternoon, before the Coroner (Mr. Raymond Ferner. 5.M.,), and the proceedings were conducted by Sergeant A. H. Barnes. Deirdre Campbell said that she was married to deceased in Wellington, on March 5, 1938. They resided at Pounawea (via Owaka), for two months, and then went to reside in Christchurch, where her husband was employed by Webley and Son, radio dealers. They resided in Christchurch for two months, and for the last three weeks they were there, her husband followed the occupation of a radio sales man. On leaving Christchurch, they came to Greymouth, on August 7, and her husband commenced work as a radio salesman for A. R. Harris and Co. Witness remained one day in Greymouth, and then returned home to Wellington. Her arrangements were to return to Wellington. She frequently heard from her husband by letter. They had lived happily together. Her husband was subject to fits of depression. He field the view that he had been a failure in life. He had at times expressed vague intentions of committing suicide, but she had never taken him seriously. The sheet of pink paper (produced) had upon it some handwriting in the hand of deceased. The writing comprised a letter written by deceased to witness, and one addressed to the Magistrate. She was able to identify the writing as that of her husband. In company with Constable Ricketts, witness found a lettei’ in the top drawer of a duchesse among the effects in deceased’s room. It was dated August 18, and was addressed “Cheri Dearest,” which was the name her husband called her. The letter dated August 18, addressed, “Dear Mum and Dad,” was also in her husband’s handwriting. She identified the wallet, pouch, pen, cuff-links, pawa-shell ring, shoes, and coat (produced) as belonging to her husband.

A.t this stage, the inquest was adjourned until Wednesday morning. The funeral of deceased took place privately, at Greymouth, yesterda y.