Shocking Suicide.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3041, 13 November 1878, Page 2

Shocking Suicide.

Another terrible tragedy has occurrrd in our midst, a man named Patrick McQuilkin having cut his throat this morning at the Vale of Avoca claim, be* yond Punga Flat. It appears that the deceased and his mate, David McMaster, left Me Master's house in Shortland at an early hour this morning, and armed at the claim at about 8.30. They were making preparations to send down stuff, and McMaster—just after they had armed at the quartz heap—had occasion to go away for a few minutes. On returning he found the deceased had gone, and was informed by a man named Donnelly that he had gone to a hut belonging to the olaim. McMaster felt no uneasiness, and continued Work. At about 10 o'clock, however, he saw Donnelly returning from the election and asked him to tell Fat to come to work. Donnelly went to the hut and tapped at the door, but received no answer. The door was bolted inside. Fearing that something was wrong he returned to McMaster, and the two men proceeded to the hut and burst open the door. They were horrified to find McQuilken lying on his side on the floor of the hut in a pool of blood, with an immense gash across his throat. The windpipe was completely severed. In a tub near at hand was a razor and on the table a strop, on which he had evidently been sharpening it. It is probable he administered the fatal wound while standing up, and had then fallen down. McQuilkin, who was about 33 years of age, has relatives in New Zea land; and is reported to have a married sister in Melbourne. In his character he was a man of few words and very determined. He has been drinking rather heavily up to. a few days ago, and yesterday it was noticed that he was peculiar, being more thin usually taciturn. On the news being known up the Creek, Mr Taylor kindly supplied a horse, and the police were communicated with, and two of them at once proceeded»to the scene of tho tragedy, but it has not yet been decided where thp inquest will take place,