Shocking Suicide at Sandhurst.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3122, 19 February 1879, Page 2

Shocking Suicide at Sandhurst.

Considerable excitement was occasioned in the town this afternoon by a rumour to the effect that Miss Julia Hinery, daughter of Mr John Emery, outfitter, of Pall Mall had committed suicide at her parents' residence in King street. Those who were acquainted with the young lady in question were at first disposed to place no credence whatever in the rumour. But, unhappily, on inquiries being instituted, the startling news received .full confirmation. The facts in connection with the tragic occurrence so far as I have been able to learn are of an extraordinary character, and it is evident that the unhappy victim set about her work of self-destruction in the most determined manner. It appears- that Miss Emery, who was 28 years of age, has been keeping her father's books at his business establishment, but this morning, instead of proceeding to the shop as usual at 9 o'clock, she pleaded languor from the excessive heat, and intimated her intention of remaining at home. During the morning she assisted her mother in the household work. Abouthalf-past 11 Mrs Emery went to her room to take a rest, leaving her daughter doing some washing in an outhouse. About half-past 12 a friend of the family from the country (a Mr Glover) called on Mr Emery at the shop, and the latter directed him to go to the house and have some dinner. Mr Glover proceeded to the house, and Mrs Emery, who had been sleeping from the time she left her daughter in the washhouse until she heard the knock at the door, admitted him. She then called her daughter for the purpose of giving her some directions about the dinner, but receiving no answer she went to the washhouse, where the shocking spectacle of her daughter hanging by a piece of rope attached to one of the rafters met her geze. She imme-

diately screamed for assistance. Mr Glover hurried to the spot, and though it was evident beyond a doubt that the unfortunate young lady was quite dead, medical assistance was at once sent for. Dr Atkinson could do nothing. The rope used for the purpose of committing the terrible act was a piece of old frayed clothes-line. It was tied to the rafters by a double-reef knot, and underneath this was a loop—not a running noose —securely knotted in the same manner, into which tho unhappy young lady had placed her head. To enable her to reach the loop she must have stood on a box which was found on tho floor, and kicked it away when she had got her head into the loop. It is judged that the act must have been committed ghortly after Mrs Emery left the washhouse. No cause can be assigned by either Mr or Mrs Emery in explanation of the tragic affair, except that the young lady's brain must have been affected by'the h'oafc. An inquest will be liekl, howdvftr, at which no doubt thtj mystery at present surrounding the case will receive some elucidation. —Australasian, Feb. 1.