SUICIDE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3949, 14 December 1880, Page 3

SUICIDE.

.__ — M-varXSe body of John Wilson, resfdmg at Papanui, was held at deceased's house yesterday afternoon, before a jury, of whom Mr Delahunti was chosen foreman. After viewing the body, Margaret Wilson, niece of deceased, deposed, that about a quarter to eight on Sunday night, •when she came baok from church, deceased was standing at the window reading. He asked her what time it was, and shortly after that he told her he was going acroßs the grounds. About three minutes afterwards deceased's wife became anxious, and sent her for some one. She went for Mr Calvert, who went to the watercloset, where deceased was, but he could not open the door, as it was fastened on the other side. Deceased had appeared Btrange since Friday, on which day he received a land tax notice, and he was afraid of not being able to fill it up properly, and incurring the £100 fine. Henry Wilson, youngest son of deceased, deposed : His father had been in low spirits for three weeks or so. About a week ago he said he was afraid he would have to go to Sunnyside. He had been worried a good deal lately about the lobs of some property on Kaiapoi Island. Charles A. Calvert deposed : He was called in last evening to get deceased out of the watercloßet. He found the place securely fastened. He ran back to the house for a tomahawk, and returned with another man, and forced the door open. Deceased was in a sitting position, with his throat cut and quito dead. He then sent for Constable iHanagan, who picked up tho razor (produced). After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict " That John Wilson committed suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity."