ROMANTIC SUICIDE AT BRIGHTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9082, 16 June 1888, Page 3 (Supplement)

ROMANTIC SUICIDE AT BRIGHTON.

Mr. Geix held an inquest, on April 24, at Brighton, on the body of Horace Cuthbert Hopwood, aged 15, who committed suicide by jumping into the sea from one of the groynes. The deceased was seen on the concrete groyne steps at the bottom of East-street about half-past eloven. A person went towards him, and he was heard to say, "God forgive her !" and at once threw himself into the sea. The body of deceased was not recovered until four the next morning. The deceased's father, who lives at Stoko Newington, identified tho body, and stated that the deceased lived with him, and was a clerk in a foreign shipping olliee. He had no trouble at all, and was always pleasant at home. He had never before absented himself from home. Upon the deceased was found the following letter from a schoolgirl, who it was stated was very young. The coroner read the letter, which was as follows: "My dearest Horace, — Thank you very much for all your jolly letters. You must think me very unkind for never having answered them before this, but I so very rarely get a chance of writing. There is always someone watching us. Thanks very much for 'How to Kiss. , It came in very useful to n friend of mine. I think Gerti'o is very wise not writing to Harry Bird, as sho has so often been found out. I think I shall follow her example. My sister and I are going to Croydon to-day, and are to stay till "Tuesday morning, so I won't be at church next Sunday. Wβ have had to go to church every day this week. Don't you pity us? It was very naughty of Marion to give you that piece about the choir boys. I shall be jealous if she writes anything more to you. I must end this letter, as I should be practising my violin, and Miss Wyatt will be kicking up a row. So you will excuse this short letter, so different from your long one. Adieu! mon cher Horace! Je rc<te, toujours votre ajfecdonee, Bessie." The deceased's father stated that he did not know that deceased had been in correspondence with any girls, but know that Bessie, from whom the letter came, was a friend of his daughter's, The jury returned a verdict of "Temporary insanity." _____________