SUICIDE PREVENTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20081, 19 October 1928, Page 14

SUICIDE PREVENTION.

GRAFTON BRIDGE SAFEGUARD

SUGGESTION BY THE CORONER. A suggestion that strands of wire should be placed along the parapet of Grafton Bridge as a protection against suicides was made yesterday by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., coroner, at the conclusion of an inquest into tho death of Arthur George Taylor, who jumped from the bridge on Tuesday afternoon. In returning a verdict of suicide, the coroner said he had had four or live inquests regarding people who had thrown themselves from the bridge. It seemed to have some kind of psychological effect upon some people. In the present case, deceased's wife was unable to advance any reason for his action. His finances were sound, and he had just been down to the market paying for fruit. There seemed no explanation at all for his behaviour.

Tlio coroner said lie would suggest to Hie authorities that three of four strands of pig-wire should be strung along the parapet, sloping upwards and outwards. He did not think this would affect the. symmetcry and beauty of the structure. Tlio suggestion was brought under notico by Mr. A. J. Stallworthy at last evening's meeting of the City Council. Ho asked that it should be given consideration.