DIARY OF DESPAIR

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3448, 22 November 1932, Page 6

DIARY OF DESPAIR

FIGHT AGAINST STARVATION. LED TO ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. The gradual ebb of hope and the persistent deepening of despair as a young woman went day after day vainly searching for work and food were revealed in a tragic diary read at Bristol Police Court. The woman was Thirza Ellen Giblet, aged 27, of no fixed address. She was charged with wandering. It was stated that she told a constable near the Suspension Bridge at Bristol that she was going to commit suicide by jumping off the bridge. The following were extracts from her diary read in court: — “August 25—Started looking for work in morning. Gave up in afternoon. Had a look round Suspension Bridge instead.” “September 9—Hungry as a hunter. I went out with intention to end it all, but met a man. I expect he thought I was nearly in, so gave me a meal and 2s fid to get some food for Sunday. Hope to see him again, as he does not know what he saved me from doing. He gave me hope and made me a lot happier to think somebody "'s humane.” “September 14—Net feeling well. Still nothing to eat.” “September 16—Just about fed up. How will to-day end? Met a man. Went to the pictures. Good picture, but would rather have had something to eat.” “September 17 —Why cannot we do without eating?” “September 19 —I don’t know what I shall end up with. I am sick of it.” “September 23—My luck is dead out. A thirteenth child—which I am —is supposed to be lucky.” “September 24 —Had one cup of tea to-day. Went on Suspension Bridge. Was going over, but had not the nerve, so had the night up there. Nearly wet through.” Giblett was remanded until Wednesday, in the care of the Salvation Army.