Worried to Death.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 658, 12 September 1891, Page 3

Worried to Death.

A SAD STORY. At the inquest at Auckland last week on the body of the suicide R. Walsh, the jury were visibly affected by the pitiful story. Sergeant Bernard read a number of letters found in the room where the man had shot himself. The first was to a Mrs Carr "Dear Mary,—l thought when last I wrote to you t hat all things were settled in connection with my family, but it seems lam not to be out of trouble yet. My mother has issued a summons against me for maintenance, because I would not allow her or her daughter to come about my house. (The letter here gave reasons for his refusal, but they are of a painful character.) My mother has been offered a good home many a time. Poor Kate took her for four months to our own home to try to reform her, but her daughter would persist in bringing drink into the house, to which, of course, you know Kate would object. Sooner than support my mother, she being only a tool in the other’s hands. I have oome to the conclusion to end it all. My dear sister-in-law, you have been the only friend to me since my wife died, Do not tell poor Lennie about his father's death. 1 have got all the children placed. You may think this is a coward’s action. For the last month or two I have longed to die. I hope you will not think too harshly of me.—R. Walsh.” Another letter for Mr A. Wilson contained the following Dear old friend,—l could not trust myself to say good-bye. Do not think ill of me. It is better to end all than to be placed in a mad house, which I am sure would be my destination before long,—R. Walsh, 4th September, 1891.” A third letter was to Miss Annie Walsh, the young daughter to whom deceased was passionately attached :— 11 Auckland, Sep tembet 4th. My dear daughter.—l am sorry to leave you, Willie, Jessie and baby. I thought I could go and see you for a final good-bye, but I could not trust myself to do so. Dear Annie, you have got — and - - - ■■ to thank for your father’s untimely death. In the future, whatever you do, on no account associate or speak to them, Look after your poor little brother and sister. It is hard to leave you, but I must—Your loving father, B. Walsh.” The following postscript was blotted by many tears i—" Annie dear, I would have liked to have lived for your sake, but life is a trouble to me. In the future be guided by the advice of your Aunt Mary. The shell, clock, and other things on tbe mantelpiece keep for your mother’s sake, Do not tell Sour little Willie that his father took his own fa. See that your father is buried alongside your mother, I am going to see her now, Good-bye,” A fourth to 0. Guntborpe, the draughts player, said : ” Dear Charlie, I am going to solve ‘ the problem ' —Eternity, tbe great unknown. Good-bye,—R. Walsh.”