Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser. — 1861-10-11 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

SELFDESTRUCTION. —On Friday last J. Settle, Esq., coroner, held an inquest in the Committee-room of the above institution on view of the body of Thomas Curling, a lunatic patient, who had, in a most determined and effectual manner, on the previous morning, committed suicide by cutting his throat with a piece of broken chamber-pot. From the evidence of James Bugles, nicht watch, it appeared that on his rounds, up to four o'clock on Thursday morning, deceased and all other patients in the same dormitory were right, and when, at near six o'clock, Wm. Metcalf, day attendant, in company with thenight watch, entered the dormitory they found deceased with his head lying over the side of his bed quite (Lead. From the evidence of Dr. Smith, medical superiotendant, it appeared that on the 27th May last deceased was sent from South Shields as a pauper lunatic, described as a seaman, single man, about 26 years of age—former place of abode Ramsgate. He was not considered a suicidal patient; was always kindly disposed. He was satit.fied the wound in the throat might be done by himself; the piece of pot corresponded with the wound, which was much jagged and penetrated to near the vertebra. He was further of opinion that deceased did not die from loss of blood, but from suffocation. Deceased had been at work on the previous day, and might, if he had been so disposed, committed suicide, or have attempted to do so, as he was, when at work, surrounded with tools of different kinds. From the evidence adduced the jurymen were unanimous in thinking no blame was attached to any one, and returned their verdict that deceased died from suffocation caused by the wound in his neck committed by himself whilst in an unsound state of mind. _ _ .  The Sedgefield District Agricultural Society held their third annual show on Friday last. The atmosphere was threatening, but the weather proved unusually fine for the time of year. A much larger company than on any former occasion was assembled, including most of the farmers and gentlemen of the district. The scene was made much more lively by the presence of a great number of ladies, who appeared to take considerable interest in the show, for the reason, we presume, that from their farm-steads had been sent stock of some kind for competition in the prize-ring. The ground this year was exceedingly well adapted for the occasion, being in a field known as the " Ducket," close to the, town on the west side, and kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Charlton, Hardwicke inn. The entries this year exceeded, by a considerable number, either of the preceding ones, together with a gradual increase in its patrons and supporters, which stimulated its promoters to increased energy in their endeavour to render it still more worthy the attention and support of their friends. The Judges were—Thomas Stnurthwaite, Esq., Holrue House, Darlington ; C. B. Trotter, Esq., Bywell, Northumberland; William Waller, Esq., Old Pittington, whose decision, we believe, in every instance, proved highly satisfactory to the competitors. There were 119 entries of horses and foals, which were very minutely scanned by each competitor and the lookers-on, with many a wondering inquiry as each class entered the ring which would carry off the first prize. For the hunter's stake there were eight entries. Several of the animals caused much amusement at their timidness in taking the leaps. The entries for cattle were 33. Some remaikably tine animals were shown and very much admired. The show of pigs was excellent, no fewer than sixteen being entered for competition, including five to compete for Mr Walter's special prize, all showing that more than ordinary care had been taken in their keep. Every owner, of course, was sanguine of success. For Mr Bramwell's special pi ize for Mangold Wurtzell three entries were made, and seven entries for Mr .1. B. Hodgson's special prize for malting barley. As extra-stock, Mr Wm. 'White, Ricknal Grange, showed some exceedingly fine sheep of different breeds. Upwards of eighty partook of dinner, served in their usual substantial stile by the host and hostess of the Hardwicke inn. J. Part ington. Esq., occupied thechair, and the Rev. C. H. Fotd officiated as vice The complimentary routine of loyal toasts, &c., occupied some consideratle time. The meeting was addressed by clergymen and others