ALLEGED SUICIDE.

Northern Advocate, 24 September 1919, Page 2

ALLEGED SUICIDE.

CORONER'S INQUIRY,

Mr F. H. Levien, Coroner, held an inquiry yesterday afternoon into the circumstances concerning the death of Frederick J. Browne, who was found hanging by a rope to a tree in the bush at Apohga on the 22nd inst.

Walter Valentine, carpenter, Waikiekie, said the deceased was his uncle, and had been subject to epileptic fits for the last 40 years. v His age was 56 years, and he was a single man. The writing in the pocketbook produced was that of his uncle.

Roderick D. N. Finlayson, farmer, Aponga, said the deceased was in his employ as a bushfeller, and resided upon his brother's property, a quarter of a mile away from the homestead. He last saw deceased alive on Thursday evening, about 6 o'clock, near his tent. Browne complained that he was suffering from dysentery. On Monday morning the man was missing. Witness made a search and found deceased hanging to a tree in the bush near the tent, about 2.15 p.m. on the 22nd inst., quite dead. Witness at once informed the police.

Constable Power gave formal evidence of finding the body about 50yds from the tent of deceased. He cut the rope and brought the remains to the morgue in Whangarei. The man had apparently been dead for about three days. He searched the clothes of deceased, and found a pocket-book containing the following statement:—• * "My dear sister, nieces, and all. This will give you all quite a surprise, but the fact is, my dear ones, you must forgive me, or try to. I have a great sorrow, at 'taking this desperate step, But this last trouble coming on me I no longer feel, my old self. All run down and fearing another breakdown, I dare not face it. Do try .and forgive me. Do try and forgive me, dear ones. Give my last good wishes and re* gards to our dear friends, the Millers, and all members. Nothing would give nic greater joy than to take you all by the hand and say good-bye, but you know it's impossible. With much love to my dear sister, nieces and all,

a long farewell,

Affectionately,

your brother, —Fred J. Brown." Another letter was addressed to the police, as follows:—

"I am all run down with this complaint of mine, and now I have another on the top of it, diarrhoea. I feel that the life is no longer worth struggling for. After I am put tinder the turf •it's my desire, when my debts are paid, what's over my dear sister, Tillie Valentine, shall benefit "

James E. Holmes, deputy-mayor, of Whangare-i, wished it known that de ceased was at one time in an asylum in British Columbia.

His Worship returned a verdict that deceased came to his death by hanging, while in a state of unsound mind.