A SAD CASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18723, 29 November 1922, Page 8

A SAD CASE

MAN GIVES WAY TO DRINK. SUICIDE FOLLOWS. PATHETIC LETTERS. (Per United Press Association.) WANGANUI, November 28. Pathetic evidence was given at the inquest on Douglas Earles held this afternoon. Tho deceased, an old and wellknown resident, had for some time given way to drink, as the result of which ho lost a good tailoring business. His wife on Monday obtained a .separation order, which apparently broke Earle's heart, as ho was very fond of his wife and family. His wife, who was of a nervous disposition, and a long sufferer through illness, was also fond of her husband, but her health forbade the continued worry. Earles went to the police sergeant and begged him to urge his wife to hold on till Juno next, when, if prohibition were carried, he thought they could live together happily, —.is wife, however, went on with the separation, and Earles, calling at a local chemist's on his way from the court, bought prussic acid, which he took after reaching home. Before taking the fatal step he wrote a pathetic note to his wife saying ho could not live without, her, and acknowledging that his weakness was the cause of all the trouble. He concluded “Good-bye, will meet you all in heaven.” A second letter, also addressed to his wife, timed 12.35, half an hour before he was found dead, ran: “I hope prohibition will bo carried. My will is just the same for you as my love was. I cannot Hvo without you and the children (signed) Daddy.” Directions regarding bis funeral were also given, including a request that a postcard portrait of his wife be put in the coffin. The verdict was that deceased committed suicide during a period of mental depression.