A SUICIDE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19325, 2 June 1925, Page 5

A SUICIDE

AN AUCKLAND CASE “MY ENEMIES WILL GLOAT” (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 1. Evidence of a premeditated and determined resolve to commit suicide was produced at an inquest before Coroner F. K. Hunt, S.M., in connection with the death of Alfred Hurst, 1 aged 54 years, who was found dead under a tree in Albert Park on Sunday evening with a wound in his head and a shotgun in his right hand. Two letters which were written by the deceased were handed in, also two portions of a shot gun and an empty cartridge case. The gun had been shortened. On the stock was a card bearing the following sentence: “My enemies will gloat, no doubt over ray death, but I am not afraid to die.” There was another message on the deceased, stating: “Positively no one else was complicated in the buying of this gun. I bought it myself for self-destruction. ”

Proof of identification was given by A. W. Powell, perambulator manufacturer, who said Hurst was a basketmaker, living in Eden Terrace. He was a widower and is survived by a son, believed to be at Invercargill. He had suffered great pain from a war wound and was often depressed in spirits in consequence. On Friday night witness last saw him and he then signified his intention to go to Australia for a holiday. Witness produced a letter received by post yesterday morning from Hurst. Tn it he stated: I have changed my views re holiday. I prefer death. I am sick and tired and full up of life as it is.”

Dr. Lindsay deposed that death was due to destruction of the base of the skull and brain by the discharging of a loaded shotgun. Deceased had apparently placed the barrel in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

Constable Orr said he was in Albert Park on Sunday when he heard a gunshot nearby and found Hurst lying dead under a tree. Witness produced a letter found on the body and addressed to Chief Detective Cummings. In this Hurst stated he wished it to be clearly understood that he bought the gun on Saturday morning, giving a wrong address because he wanted the weapon to end his life. “Had I been left alone in my own quiet manner,’’ the letter continued, “I would not have taken my life but a certain class of the community insist on back biting and persecuting me and what with ill-health ani the after-effects of the war I cannot tolerate the existing state of antagonism.’ ’

Horace Richard Leppard said he occupied the same premises as Hurst. The latter was on good terms with witness and his neighbours. The coroner returned a verdict of suicide by shooting.