Ashcroft Suicide.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 395, 24 December 1889, Page 3

Ashcroft Suicide.

Dunedin, Saturday

The medical evidence showed Ashcroft died from hemorrhage five hours after he was discovered Ly the St Paul’s verger. He was conscious when admitted to the hospital. The doctors asked him in what position he held the piitol, and he replied in his right band. In a note b>ok in his pocket were found these pencilled memoranda “ 1 s.m. Prayed for my wife and children. 330 Mast have slept. 4. Very cold and hopeless. 4.16 Daylight; oh 1 agony of this ni(.ht 1 4.30.” (Blank.) After the shooting was known Mr Grant went to deceased's office, where he found a letter in deceased’s bandwriting addressed to the District T affio Manager, tendering hie resigns* on and claiming compensation. From a cursory examination of tbe bocks Mr Grant is afraid there are discrepancies. Deceased told him on Tuesday night some man had dragged him into mining speculations, but he bad put the matter right. Mr George Eater said deceased met him by appointment at tbe Grand Hotel at six o’clock last night. Deceased said he was in lerlous financial trouble, and asked witness how he could get out of it. Owed witness a large sum, and asked if he was prepared to watt. Witness replied ** Yes.” Deceased then said for several days he had been suffering excruciating pains in the head, and putting his hand up to his brow, said '• My God, Either, if these continue I feel certain I shall go mad 1” Witness wanted to know if he had any immediate trouble, (and he replied, “ I scarcely know how I stand; it is not my own business. I have been drawn into it

with others, but if we get time I have no doubt I shall pull through.” The Assignee, uncle of deceased, said he had cautioned him against rash mining speculations, but understood he had arranged his difficulties. Had witness known he was in financial trouble, he could have assisted him, but he was very reticent about his affairs. The suicide has formed a general subject of conversation, and universal regret is felt at the sad occurrence.