MERCHANT'S SUICIDE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7069, 10 April 1901, Page 2

MERCHANT'S SUICIDE.

FTAIED BEING TEMPTED TO EMBEZZLEMENT. The letters left by Mr Otto Hoz revealed a pathetic story of a stern fight with adversity, which eventuated in defeat and suicide. Mr Hoz was a fancy-silk dealer in Castle Street, London, and was held in high esteem in the city. This is what he wrote before shooting himself: — In utter despair I just write these few c lines to you. There is no trade, and no prospect 'for me. I have lost nearly ail mv money, and ruin, utter ruin and starvation, stare me in the face. I cannot strusrcle «-ny longer. Worn out and gettin<i""t»ld (sixty-six next March)- Must give up. Good-bye. — OTTO. P.S.— Had about £800 a few years ago, nearly all gene — mostly in bad stock. In a second letter he said ; — Another danger, and a very serious one. are two old ooimimissions, now very small, of which 'tlhev keep a stock in London. If I lost the rest of my money, a-nd got into straightened circumstances, I might feel tempted to collect their accounts for my temporary relief, and u!timately the result would be fraud. Looking to my uncertain future this danger is looming largely in the distance. The death of the Queen had greatly upset the deceased, stated his brother-in-law at the inquest. A verdict of " temporary insanity " was returned. - *