A SUICIDE'S LAST LETTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9034, 21 April 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A SUICIDE'S LAST LETTERS.

SAD STORY OF BLIGHTED HOPES. A terrible story of disappointed and blighted hopes is told in the letters Francis Albert Silverlock, aged 23, addressed to his parents and young lady, prior to committing suicide. He was the assistant schoolmaster at Station Road Board Schools, Highbury. At the inquest on the body the evidence showed that on a recent Tuesday evening, shortly before six o'clock, deceased jumped off the centre platform at Highbury Station, and, a train passing over his legs and injuring them, he died a few hours later. Two letters, which explain the cause of the rash act, were found on him. The first was addressed to his young lady, and was as follows: — "Dear Ida,—l was asked to resign today. Now, that means absolute ruin, and I am not prepared for that, and I am afraid I shall do a rash act. After all the years of slavery I have done it all ends in being dismissed. What can Ido ? Without parchment and with bad reports how could I get employment anywhere ? Now, dear, we have spent many happy years together, and without a cross word. It must, not, therefore, be too much of an upset for you when you hear what I have done. Forgive me for causing you misery in leaving you, but I could not drag you along in the world with me in poverty. You know how I have tried and how I have failed My conscience is pretty clear that I have lived a pretty good life, and if God will pardon the rash act I may get to heaven. I almost feel inclined to desist when I think of you, but I think after a little while you will think it is better as it is. Keep what) I have given you, and do not think harsh of my act.—Yours ever, though in the tomb, Frank."

" NO DULL, STUPID BOYS, AND NO INSPECTORS."

The second letter was addressed to deceased's parents, and was as follows: — "Dear Father and Mother, — Probably you have noticed lately that I have been thoughtful and worried. At the last examination my boys did rather badly, according to the inspector, and I lost my parchment, and consequently a rise of £10. Further, to day, I have received notice to leave. That means that I should have no chance of getting further employment, and I cannot bear the idea. Do not spend any money to waste on my coffin. All I have I leavo to you, dad, and I hope you will go on more fortunately now. There is a bank-book for £31 in the top of my desk. It is, of course, for you, dad. Mr. Hearn will give you the key. There is also about £5 due from the School Board salary, which Mr. Hearn will get for you, I hope. Please try to comfort Ida and all at home, and believe that I do not wish to cause you unnecessary grief. My conscience is pretty clear, and I hope my act will be forgiven, and I shall go where there are no dull, stupid boys, and no inspectors. 1 have always been happy at home, and think it very hard I have to quit it. You will no doubt hear soon of an accident at Highbury Station.—With love to all, Frank."

The Coroner remarked that those letters could leave no doubt of the premeditation of the act, and the jury returned a verdict of " Suicide whilst temporarily insane."