GRAFTON BRIDGE SUICIDE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19218, 6 January 1926, Page 10

GRAFTON BRIDGE SUICIDE.

AFRAID OF BLINDNESS. FAREWELL MESSAGE TO WIFE, The inquest' concerning the death of Alfred E. Hans comb, tramway motorman, who jumped from the parapet of Grafton Bridge shortly after noon on Monday, was concluded yesterday before Mr. J. W. Joynton, S.M., coroner. Hugh Eaton, salesman, said he was crossing the bridge toward Park Road when he saw deceased throw his legs astrido the parapet and roll off at the highest point from the ground. Witness advised the police. When the body was recovered life was extinct. The widow of deceased said sho last saw her husband at their home in Sackville Street, Grey Lynn, at about halfpast eleven on Monday morning. He then complained of pains in the head and said he was afraid he was going blind. She had previously told him that he should see a doctor. There had never been cause to suspect that he had suicidal intentions. He was due on duty at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. There were five children, the younger ones being aged 8,1 10 and 16 years respectively. After deceased left home at mid-day she found a note on his table reading: "I am not good enough for my wife. I am going blind. —Good-bye." A verdict was returned that deceased had committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity.