HIS LAST LETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10972, 28 January 1899, Page 2 (Supplement)

HIS LAST LETTER.

TOO SENSITIVE TO FACE HIS DIFFICULTIES.

Dr G. Daxford Thomas held an inquest a few days ago at St. Pancras Coroner's Court, with reference to the death of William Pool Scott, 46, a houso and estate a*ent, lately residing at Lorotto, Bexhill-pr.-Sea, who was discovered lying lifeless in a bedroom he had engaged at a private hotel in Euston Square. The evidence showed that deceased, who was married and had five children, left his home at Bexhill-on-Sea, and did not return. Prior to this, according to bis brother, the Rev. George Scott, clerk in holy orders, St. George's Road, Wnodgate Park, Bexhill, deceased had been ailing, and woi rving himself about some pecuniary difficult ies, which he greatly magnified. "Be wits," witness added, " always worrying himself. He had a woman's nature—all nerve." It, was witness' opinion that he had run a way from his embarrassments, intending to make a new start in business. Deceased had addressed to his wife a long letter, explaining his financial position, and expressing the fear that he should not be able to make both ends meet. He added: "It will all end up in gaol. So I have absconded. lam almost certain to be brought back, and then I shall have to pay the full penalty. Still, I'll have a run for it". I have paid £50 into the bank. Do the best you can; you will have to give the house up to the creditors. I must go to some place out of the way. 1 was on the way to making £1000 a year, but all my endeavours have been useless. I am ruined.

1 am not clever enough, 1 fear, to evade detection. In a day or two they will find me. Everything that lias been done for me is useless— has been thrown away. My life is ruined—my children and family are ruined too. 1 have brooded over a means of escape ever since I got so much in difficulty, and then came despair. The devil has put temptation in my way. I have fought against it, but 1 gave 111 when I saw your trouble and distress. It has been an awful lile. How it will end I don't know. I enclose a list of moneys due to me. I suppose you will get them in. The creditors can do nothing for you. If they seize the house you can put the deed of settlement in force if you like. It is no use my trying any longer. I am living over a mine. I want £100 now. Where is it to come from? 1 won't show up. If anybody asks for me, say I am in London. There was a prospect, but 1 have lost it. This is my last move.—W." Dr. J. Tlumpsoii, 70, Oakley Square, said death was clearly due to syncope. Answering the coroner, the Rev. S. Scott said his brother was a religious man,and not likely to contemplate suicide. His sensitive naturo rendered him unable to (ace his difficulties, and hence lie had run away. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.