"NO OTHER WAY OUT."

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17224, 6 October 1927, Page 2

"NO OTHER WAY OUT."

$ 'HALL-BOY SHOOTS HIMSELF REMARKABLE LETTERS AT INQUEST "I am taking my life because I find no other way out of this dark space before me," was an extract from a letter written by Walter Griffin, 10, employed as a hall-boy by the Marquis cf Ormonde, before he shot himself in a bedroom at the Marquis' house at Hunton, near Maidstone. Letters written by deceased and read at the inquest by Mr W. H. Day, included the following:—"God alone knows I have had my share of the troubles and worries of this wicked world. I have tried to please people, but.have nothing in return but unhappjness. I think it far better to take my own life than to be a worry to other people, and bring only unhappiness to myseif. Do not think lam insane to do this thing, .because I am quite in my right senses; or that I am a coward, because no coward would take his or her own life. Those who have tried to befriend me I thank from the bottom of my heart. Even if their friendship is only skin-deep, it has brought one or two bright spots into my life. I have not led a wicked life so, perhaps, the Almighty will overlook this last sin of mine."

Thomas Bolton, butler to Lord Ormonde, told the coroner that he understood deceased had a guardian in London, but he did not know his name. Griffin had been with Lord Ormonde one year and five months. "There has been no particularly great trouble,' added witness. "He has been given notice to leave three times, and on the two previous occasions has asked me to keep him on. He was due to leave on September 10."

The coroner read another letter from Griffin, in which he wrote: "Do not blame Mr Bolton for this act of mine. It ia ah my own fault. I can only regret I never listened to his advice before it was too late. He has done what very few other men would have done for me."

"I tried to give him fatherly advice, which he evidently did not take," remarked Mr Bolton. "I advised him as to reading, behaviour, and smoking." • The coroner produced a number of books which Griffin had boon reading. "Rather low down, are they not?" he asked.. Witness:: I am afraid they are.

In answer to further questions Bolton declared tjiat there was no theft or serious trouble in the house, and everyone was most kind to Griffin.

Walter John Passmore, footman, described how he heard a shot at night, and discovered Griffin lying injured on the bed. Griffin exclaimed, "I have shot myself and I wish it had gone right through me." Passmore explained that Hie rifle had been taken from the butler's office.

Sergeant Sendles produced the gun and placing it against his chest, demonstrated how Griffin must have pulled the trigger. The bullet was found embedded in the wall behind him.

A verdict of "Suicide by shooting ' was recorded.