A TRAGEDY OF SELF-SACRIFICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18085, 19 February 1927, Page 21

A TRAGEDY OF SELF-SACRIFICE.

TOOK LIFE THROUGH STRAIN OF OVERWORK. (Special to the “ Star.”) LONDON, January 7. “ She took her life owing to her mental condition, caused by her self-sacri-fice and devotion to duty.” This rider was added to their verdict of “ suicide . while of unsound mind ” by the jury at an inquest yesterday oil Miss Ivy Collier, daughter of Dr and Mrs Collier, of Woodstock Road, Oxford. After a serious breakdown in health, Miss Collier was found dead in her bed room from gas-poisoning. A brilliant doctor and surgeon. Miss Collier went out to a missionary hospital in India. She broke down after taking a medical appointment under the Kuala Lumpur (Malay States) Government. A letter written to Dr Collier from one of his daughter’s friends in Kuala Lumpur read:— “ Her remorse at not sticking it out was pitiful. She has been wonderful. “ We have simply marvelled at her grit and unselfishness, as we’ve watched her struggling these four months against impossible odds. “ She blames herself bitterly for not staying, and it is dreadfully pathetic to see the way she is suffering now. “ She could never have stood the strain. She felt the responsibility of the lives of the people and the impossibility of doing her best for them.” Miss Collier left a letter, in which she wrote:— “ Mother, dearest, a few minutes ago I thought I would resist for your sake, but I think on the whole it will be easier for all if I go. “ I have enjoyed some things, and I thank you for giving me life. I will make a better job time.”