A PALMIST'S SUICIDE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7191, 8 January 1902, Page 4

A PALMIST'S SUICIDE.

PECULIAR LETTERS.

Bhoadfobd, Tuesday. A man named John Healv, who has been living in a tent and carrying on tho business of a palmist and fortune teller committed suicide in a most determined manner (his -morning. When the 11 30 train left the Broadford station Healv was noticed by Ganger Eaton to be standing beside the line near the Sunday Creek railway bridge, apparently waning till the train passed over tho bridgo, but just as the train carao near he throw off his hat and dropped before it. The cowcatcher struck his head, and he was dragged nearly across the bridge, the body then falling down tho embankment. Death was evidently instantaneous. The head presented a ternbie spectacle, being almost split in two, with tho brains protruding. Last evening ho was going from house to house asking to bo allowed to " road heads " Deceased left ibe following statement addressed to H. Kerrigan, G.P.0., Melbourne :—

I can't support the burden of life any longer, and so have resolved to d-op it It is solely my own fault that things have coma to tho present pass. Tho police mtiy make soino trouble about letting you have tho thing? in tho tent, so X make this statoment :—'■ The tent and everything belongs to H. Kerrigan of tho above address. Let him have" them when ho applies for them." You have my will. It is somewh re with .your papers. Don't forget, Harry, the compact we made at Caulfield, as to the duty encumbent on tho one of us that went first to thb other world. You and Bert will be last in my thoughts. Write and give him my love. I will look after both if it bo permitted me. Good-bye John Healy, otherwise known as H. Dv Merlin. Please write to H. Kerrigan. Tho following was also loft: To all whom ii may concorn.—l particularly desire that no service or ritual bo performed by any priest or parson over my romains ot intorrneat. It will only bo a bitter mockery, for I am no Umiitian in tho ordinary acceptation of tho word. Leave mo to settle my account with my Maker (if I am called "P°° t0 do it) in my own way.—J.H.,

Healy had a friend named Wilder, a miner at Outtrim, and a letter is in the possession of tho police showing thai Healy, Wilder and another intended to combine their capital and talents in the ]Sew letir ana engagein the fancy goods trade, and Healy was advised to" study well tho "science" of palmistry, so that the combination could set up business in one of the large country towns. Healy at one time carried on as a palmist in West Melbourne, aud in his tent was found tho "copy" for a circular with his address. An inquiry will bo opened tomorrow morning.