SUICIDE OF A DOCTOR.
A STRANGE CERTIFICATE.
Auckland, September 7.
Dr Campbell, of Warkworth, committed suicide by taking chloroform. He was last seen alive at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, when he was under the influence of drink. He was found in a dying state at 2 p.m. on Thursday. A bottle which had contained poison was found on a table of the room, along with the following note: — "Warkworth, September 5, 1.18 a.m. This is to certify that James Campbell, M.D., of Warkworth, did on or within four hours of the above time die. The cause of death was a broken heart, caused by inability to resist the d d glass. I should therefore advise the jury to state at once • Died because he was a fool.' Post mortem unnecessary. — James Campbell, M.D." There was an addendum to the letter as follows : — " I should like Professor Halford, of Melbourne, to have my head, if anyone will send it to him. P.S. — I am in earnest. If I should be found dead, I have died from chloroform administered by self, so do not make any fuss about me. — J. C." Deceased came to Warkworth from Westport. It is not known here if he has any friends iv the colony. An inquest was held yesterday, and a verdict returned of "Committed suicide while in an unsound state of mind, produced by excessive drinking."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18880914.2.33
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 1921, 14 September 1888, Page 14
Word Count
231SUICIDE OF A DOCTOR. Otago Witness, Issue 1921, 14 September 1888, Page 14
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