SUICIDE AT NELSON.

Colonist, Volume XII, Issue 1188, 12 February 1869, Page 2

SUICIDE AT NELSON.

On Jan. 23, an inquest was held in the Royal Hotel, on the body of Joseph Porthouse, the landlord of that hotel, who had on the previous day terminated his existence by cutting his throat. The Coroner's Jury returned a verdict that deceased put an end to his life, whila laboring under tern porary"" insanity. In connection with the suicide of Mr. Porthouse, and that of a man named James Reid, in Blenheim, there are, some remarkable' incidents. Mr. Porthouse,

Mr. Ewnrt of an Hotel in Blenheim, and this James Reid, were all infciaiajbefriends in England, and, we believe, all of them came out to the Colony togpther. Mr. Reid was at one time/owner of the Hotel, and from him.Mr. Ewart;purchased it some time since,, and. Reid; was living with him as a lodger. Mr. Ewart, oil Friday, received a telegram announcing Mn Porthouse's sad death, on receipt of which he at once started for Nelson. On his arrival here on Saturday, he found a telegram waiting him announcing that Reid had cut his throat on Friday afternoon, at Blenheim. A curious fact has also come out respecting the weapon by which Mr. Porthouse effected his death. It has been recognised as one of a, case of seven. razora presented to him by the deceased Reid who has also died by his own hand.