SUICIDE IN HOSPITAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 13 October 1926, Page 6

SUICIDE IN HOSPITAL

PATIENT CUTS HIS THROAT

AFTER MAKINC OUT VVU

(tJmLvl t'roiM Aiwocr.Ui-'Hi )

-".ffRfSTOHUIUyr. iltii October. Before taking his breakfast on Saturday, Thomas ' M\Lcnnan, a hospital patient, insisted on making his will, as he said lie might lie poisoned, About midday he cut his throat with a razor, and died in the evening, M'Lennan, who Was single and 40 years ol age, was also- known as John Clark. An in quest was opened by Mr 11. Y. Widdowson, S.M.. Ibis morning.

tleorge Fri/./.ell, slock agent, and pari owner of the Castle Hill station. on the West Coast road, said that M'Len nan worked on the station for two or three years as head shepherd, and left about six months ago. He was known as John ( lark, ami had relatives at Maheno, Olago. lie suffered from ilfheallh. .M'Lennan had about £7OO on deposit wil h a local firm.

Or. 11. T. Jennings, house surgeon at. the hospital, said that .M'l.ennan had been ni the institution about four months ago, and was told lo return for an operation. M'Lennan lold witness that he had made some money at, the

race-, and hail been drinking heavily, lie ilnl not appear lo> be depressed on Saturday. Inn he would not eat his breakfast, lie said that he wanted to make his will, as he might be poisoned. Witness got some paper, and M'l.cnnan made his will. after which he look some col Tee. He was K' v " injection to ojiiieten him. Al'ier .M'Lennan cut his i local, an operation was performed, but his condition was low. Witness saw him twice daring the afternoon, and on the second occasion '.M'l.cnnan (old him that he wanted |„ die.

The sister in charge of the ward said that- M'Lennan, who was in a. room off the ward, was freipientl.v during the morning. When she found M'Lennan with a wound in his throat, she endeavoured In take the razor from him and he resisted.

Sergeant Almond asked if it were customary to allow patients lo have access to their razors.

The witness replied thai all patients who shaved themselves had their razors unless there was a doubt a boil I. their mental condition.

The inquest was adjourned