SUICIDE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6125, 11 March 1898, Page 1

SUICIDE.

TPkr Press Association.] AUCKLAND, March 10. James B. Fairs, a clerk in the office of Messrs Devore and Cooper, solicitors, shot himself through the heart, at his home, this morning. He was a member of the City School Committee and a well-known volunteer. Deceased left on his dressingtable an open letter addressed to his mother, which shows that his mind was completely unhinged. The following is a copy of the letter : — " My dearest mother, — How can I explain myself to you or thank you for the many kindnesses you have always shown me throughout my lifetime. My life has been a mystery to me for a very long time past, owing to the fact that I have been harassed and worried so much. The work I have had to do has been too much for me. The responsibility is even greater, far more than I can explain or imagine, to describe to you. I have been worked and worried to death with business worries tor a long time past, and have complained about it repeatedly without redress, and have in consequence stuck to the duties as long as possible, until I have completely broken down, and my mind is quite deranged. My head reels with aches and pains, and I have suffered many great losses in mining speculations, mainly through too much work to do for others, and not having time to attend to my own private affairs. J cannot sleep at night, and am now a ruined man in health and wealth. I can stand it no longer, and cannot face the trouble. May God bless you and the family and help you especially, and forgive me. I leave all to you. My life is insured in the Government Life Insurance Office, and there is a small amount to my credit in the Savings Bank, and numerous mining shares. My pocketbook will show nearly everything. Again asking God's forgiveness and yours. Prom your loving son, good-bye. — James B. Faiks. P.S. — If the people (so-called friends) to whom I have advanced sums of money from time to time had returned the same I would not have been placed in this position, tf they are men they will speak for themselves, and come to your aid and assistance. This has been a failing of mine. I have been imposed upon, and could never refuse to assist when asked. However, it is now too late to mend. — James." Deceased had been ten years in the employ of Messrs Devore and Cooper. He was most cheerful while at business yesterday, and attended to his duties carefully. The firm named have no complaint to make against deceased, and they are not aware of anything wrong in his accounts. At the inquest a verdict of "Committed suicide while temporarily insane" was returned. Evidence was given by his mother that his habits of late had been intemperate. __^_ Ashburton Licensing Committee.— At the meeting of this Committee the transfer of the license of the Oentral Hotel from John Dore to Timothy Connolly was sane tioned. ScHOLASTic-Miss Mabel Connon who gained the Gammack scholarship ot .±6O for three years, tenable at Canterbury College, was a pupil of the Christchurch ' Giris' High School.