A GAMBLER'S SUICIDE

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16712, 30 January 1926, Page 5

A GAMBLER'S SUICIDE

TRAGEDY AT MONACO. GAS TAPS TURNED ON. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.-} LONDON,- January 29. The Nice correspondent of the Daily Express reports that Roger Murdoch, aged about -15, who is believed to have been born "in Australia, committed suicide under strange circumstances at his villa at Roquebrune, near Monaco. Murdoch had not been seen for several days, and a neighbour, becoming | suspicious, informed the police. When the latter broke into the villa they found every window closed and a note saying: ''Beware of gas." This had been pinned up in the entrance hall. All the gas taps in the bathroom we're turned on and Murdoch's body was lying on some rugs on the floor. Near him was a letter which stated that he had sent his wife to England with his remaining money prior to committing suicide. Murdoch was president of several Riviera sports clubs. He had been losing heavily at the casino. The police found two other letters, one of which was addressed to "Josephine." The other was to the police commissioner.

In the letter Murdoch said he had lost his money, wife and child, and also his honour. He had contracted debts and had been informed by his solicitor that he could send him no more money. The Daily Chronicle says Murdoch was reputed to be wealthy, but he was left practically without resources owing to his "continual ill-luck at gambling. Murdoch's wife came home in ignorance of his ruin or his intentions.