SUICIDES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12193, 12 February 1903, Page 2 (Supplement)

SUICIDES.

Mrs. Mitchem,, wife of Mr. .T. H. Mitchell, farmer, of Studholme, amis found drowned in a pond near her house about one m. on February 8. At the inquest before Mr, Keddell, S.M., next day, the, evidence showed that deceased was last seen at, eleven o'clock in the forenoon, and about one o'clock her body was found in the pond, fully clothed, the jury returned a verdict that deceased drowned* herself while temporarily insane. On Saturday, .Tan. 24. the body of Hon. Herman Stapleton, aged 68. was found drowned in a creek close to Ins residence. Waimate North. The deceased, who was unmarried. had a slight paralytic stroke some months back. An inquest was held on Jan. 25. and a verdict was returned of suicide while insane. • The body of a man found dead at the back rd the Shortliuid Cemetery by some children, on Tuesday. .lan. 31, proved to be that of a man named William K. Birdwood, acred about 38 rears, a resident of Rich-mond-street, where he had lived with lys mother. He seems to ~li;tve committed suicide by cutting his threat with a razor, which was found near him. No reason appears to be forthcoming for such a course of action, as he is stated to have been in good health and spirits. An inquest was held in the afternoon. A verdict was returned to the effect that deceased committed suicide on or about the 2lsi inst. by cutting his throat with a razor whilst temporarily insane.