ON BRINK OF SUICIDE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19057, 9 July 1924, Page 3

ON BRINK OF SUICIDE.

MAN TURNS FROM RIVEB. LOST FOR FIVE MONTHS. FARMER’S FINANCIAL WORRIES. Mr. J. S. Evans, J.P., of Tycanol, Fishguard, a well-known South Wales agriculturist, county magistrate, and member of the local County Council, disappeared some months ago after intimating his intention of committing suicide. At the end of April he was found alive and wfl in a small Glamorganshire town, acting as a shop assistant. The disappearance of Mr. Evans in November last created a great sensation locally. Clothing identified as belonging. to him was found on the bans, of the River Gwaun near his home, with a letter declaring his intention of taking his life, as financial worries, chiefly due to unsuccessful litigation, had become unbearable. Search parties scoured the surrounding district for oyer a fortnight, day and night. The river was dragged, every pool searched, and almost every foot of fhe surrounding hillside was covered, but without result. The mystery of Mr. Evan’s disap” perance was not solved until April 29, when, following a clue which had come to his notice, a correspondent of the Daily Chronicle met Mr. Evans in a town a hundred miles from Fishguard. He was following the duties of a salesman. Speaking with deep emotion, lie said when he left home during the night, and when on the point of committing suicide changed his mind. “I can never forget the night I left Tycanol,” he said. “I felt so vexed, pressed, and abused that I did rot wish to live any longer. I walked to the bank of the River Gwaun with only one intention, but when on the point of doing the act felt I was strictly forbidden by God to do so.” “I TURNED AWAY WEEPING.” Mr. Evans continued: “I turned away weeping, and walked to Cardigan, getting there before daybreak. I went to a neighbouring village, and, seeing an advertisement, succeeded in obtaining my present post. lam doing well, and intend remaining here for some time, although I feey as vexed and worried as when I left Tycanol.” An order in bankruptcy was made against Mr. Evan’s estate last month. Mr. Evans said that his present employer had twice raised his wages without being asked, which showed that he was giving satisfaction. Asked why he did not write home to his relatives, Mr. Evans said, “I have tried to write a letter home, but my feelings so far have made it quite impossible for me to do so. I honestly believe that no earthly being has ever been abused worse than I have been, in spite of the fact that never in my life have I refused' to do a kindness to everyone who came to seek my help.” It was stated by Mr. Evans that his family knew nothing about his whereabouts. He spoke with intense emotion, and it was clear that he was relieved that the tension of a nerveracking period, during which he has been ever haunted by fear of discovery, had been unbroken. With tears in his eyes he begged the correspondent rot to divulge in the actual town where he is now employed, in order that no may continue and earn an honest livelihood, and in the future make the best provision he can for his family. He did not object, however, to the fact of his still being alive disclosed, but added: “Tell them I still feed vexed and worried.” A TRYING ORDEAL. The correspondent added: “There was a ring of sincerity about his words, which could not fail to arouse sympathy for one has been through a trying ordeal, and who in a distracted state of mind left his home and family to seek sanctuary among strangers. His family are naturally delighted at news of him, although great surprise is felt that such a well-known personality, who has taken a prominent part in public life, could remain unrecognised for so long, especially in view of the great sensation caused by his disappearance and the publicity given to the case. He has made little a.ttempt to disguise his features, and could be easily recognised by even a casual acquaintance. have been many rumours from time to time of his having been seen in various districts, but investigation proved these to be incorrect, aad the true facts have only come to light through my success in following up a slight clue.’’