TWIN SCIENTISTS, PITIFUL TRAGEDY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 January 1929, Page 5

TWIN SCIENTISTS, PITIFUL TRAGEDY.

minds unbalanced by PRIVATION. (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 18. At the inquest on-Drs Arthur and Sidney Smith, the twin brothers, who were found dead in their flat in Harley Street, the Coroner’s verdict was one of suicide while of unsound mind. Their sister testified that they had no private means The doctor with whom they collaborated in radium research said thev did a tremendous, lot of good by interesting the public in the radium treatment of cancer, by writing articles and by endeavouring to raise money for radium clinics. Another doctor gave evidence that both seemed overworked. Ho had known them work sometimes Without, food all hours of the day and night. They were looking very strained and worn. They never took a holiday. A bank manager gave evidence that the Smiths’ joint account was overdrawn by £742. They had given good security and had deposited two life policies for £IOOO. each. The Coroner said there was no question that their minds had become unbalanced. VICTIMS OF THEIR ZEAL. TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO A NOBLE MOTHER. /By Telegraph-Press Assn .-Copyright.] (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 18.

There arc few more tragic stories than that of the twin doctors, whose correct ages were twenty-eight. This was revealed at the ' inquest when their letter to the nation was read;

|The Coroner, in the course of a splendid eulogy, said: “These men were overworked and underfied. neglecting their health, without holiday, and without' relaxation, but if they had persevered they would have become famous. ’ ’

The letter left by the brothers contained the following passage: “May all whp know the national service of my brother and myself, which was rendered for the advancement of the radium treatment of cancer in England, come forward and help to comfort our beloved mother in this hour. A greater and nobler mother we could not have. We do not attempt to eulogise her. Only one who could have out—Banied Barrie and Out —Burked Burke could do justice to the task. We pass from, .this world with a natioual [to the value, of Radium work, and our life’s aim has achieved. ”