SUMNER SENSATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18600, 30 December 1920, Page 5

SUMNER SENSATION.

MAN'S SUPPOSED SUICIDE. “ How deep would bo the water about here?” was the inquiry put by a man of average height, to Mr E. Wright, of Fcndalton, who wag walking early yesterday morning on the Sumner Pier. “Probably twelve feet,” said Air Wl’ight. “1 will soon Test it/’ declared the other, who proceeded to undress. He next scribbled a message in a small note book, which he rested on one knee, and gave ib to Air Wright, who, at once, rushed off to communicate with the police. He met a, cyclist. Air 1L- Rich, and told him of the man’s strange behaviour. Whilst Air Wright went for the police. Air Rich hurried to the pier, but tlie man had already disappeared, part of liis clothing was near the end of 'the pier, including a coat and vest. Inside tlie 4 pockets were a Post Office Savings Batik pass book, issued to John Baird, the address care of J. Studholme, Hinds, boing attached. There were also a £5 note, two £1 notes, some loose silver, and two receipts, one for clothing, ami one from tho Ashburton Building Society. Inside the man’s coat was found In tag with tho name “ John Baird, care of John Studholme, Hinds, near Ashburton. The message scribbled in the missing man’s note hook, -stated that he was the victim of an overwhelming vice, but had always lived an honest life, and wished his few debts to he paid. A close investigation of the beach has l)6en made, without result so far. A big sea was on, with the tide, running out, when tho man disappeared. With the heavy easterly running, it is expected that the body, ii it was a case of suicide by drowning, will soon conic ashore. A tram guard who if as passing Mannings, Ferry Road, at about 6.15 a.m. was” accosted by a stranger answering tho description of the man seen on tho pier. The guard States that the map was looking much distressed ip mind and that lie made careful inquiries ns to where Sumner was and how far it war,.

From inquiries made at Sumner, it does not. appear likely that the man slept at any of the local boarding-houses overnight. .Inspector Dew received a telegram from the Ashburton police, Yesterday, stating that inoiiiries hod shown that n man named Baird was employed on Air Studliolme’s farm, six months ago, having been engaged through a labour agency at Christchurch.