YOUNG MAN’S TRAGIC END

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1931, Page 7

YOUNG MAN’S TRAGIC END

Trickery victim suicides

RECENTLY TARANAKI RESIDENT.

MAN HE BEFRIENDED STOLE ALL.

By Telegraph-—Press Assn.—-Copyright. London, Jan. 15

Arriving on Saturday on the Hobson Bay, a young New Zealander, Harold Baskin, encountered at Waterloo station a confidence man, who pleaded hunger. Baskin took him to an adjoining hotel, bought him a dinner, and allowed him to share his bedroom. When he awoke the guest was missing, also Baskin’s wallet, containing all he possessed (£3S), his references and clothing. Australia House cabled to Sydney friends for help, and meanwhile arranged for the Y.M.C.A, to care for Baskin. He was very depressed, took poison last night and died this morning.

The police believed that they recognised the man Baskin described as wanted for similar offences.

Baskin was unable to shake off his depression. His failure to secure work, besides the loss of hi: money, preyed on his mind. He was educated at the New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

Harold Baskin, whose people live at Midhirst, was 22 years of age. He lived for some time at New Plymouth, where he was employed by the Farmers’ Cooperative Organisation Society. He left some months ago for Sydney. Mr. Baskin was not unaccomplished as a pianist.