The Poole Telegram. — 1883-10-12 (Poole, Dorset, England)

SHOCKINO SUICIDE AT BRIDPORT HARBOUR.  MYST iIIIOUB Arritla.  A suicide of a most determined character was perpntrat kJ at the Bridport Harbour late on Wednesday se veiling, when a Mrs. West jumped from the highest point of t`ie E wit Cliff, a distance of about 300 feet. circum I ta, aces poiot conclusively to the commission of suicide, and the whole affair has caused quite sensation in the locality, and this is enhanced by the mystery still hanging over the deceased, as it has not yet transpired who Mrs. West iv, her relations, or the facts which led to the commission of the deed. It would appear that deceased, about a fortnight since, arrived at the Harbour, estranger, and took up her abode at Mr. Siandford's ref reshment-roomt. She brought little or no luggage with her, but was to all appearance a most respectab e woman about 35 years of age, and t slerably wet-looking. Duriug conversations with Mr. Ssndford she admitted that "She was not on good terms with her husband, and on one occasion expressed the wish that she had never married him, and further that she dared not go home." A day or two since ehe wrote a letter addressed to "R. Cook, Esq., 1. Adelaide-buildings, London Bridge, London E.C.," and It is believed that this letter was an appeal for £5. Oa Wednesday morning she anxiously awaited the postman, but finding there was no letter for her she exhibited aigns of bitter disappointment, and estrange demeanour was noticed in her from that time. She dined at midol ay with the S oadford's. After dinner expressed her belief that her dinner would digazree with her, and accordingly took an (made with the desired result. She afterwards to Or a cup of tea, and left the house about four p.m., statinir that she was going on t the cliffe, and that she had been there before during the day, She was never after seen alive. After dark, as mhe had not returned, Mr. Sandford seems t have had his suspicions aroused, and went on to the beach in company with a coastguard. Underneath the highest point of be cliff the body, life being quite extinct, we; found. From the pdsition of the c srose fearful interns) iujurie, must have been sustained. The sight arm was broken, and a fearful gash was observed over the temples. The body was at once removed to the Neptune Hotel. Mr. Sandford at once communidated with Sergeant Hazzard, who was promptly on the spot. In company with Mr. Felsame and Coastguardsman Score, the Sergeant went up the cliff with lanterns. Abodt a foot from the edge of the precipice—at the exact spot from which deceased fell—the sergeant found a black satin bonnst trimmed with a black feather of a humming-bird Some distance in on the greensward lay a coloured wool wrap, and a cambric pooket-handkei chief containing a few specimens of fungi. These articles were identified as those used by deceased. Excepting the day of her death Mrs. West always wore a handsome silver brac.let, but this was found at her lodgings. A cambric handkerchief bearing the initials " S.W. "was found in the pocket of deceased. Ii • Morocco lady's ha z at her lodgings were found several articles, and it is hoped that a description of some of the- e may 611,11 to the friends identifying the body. A I wax containing a few shillings, silver bracelet, gentleman's gIl albeit and pendants, (ornament sl k-y and barrel) several pairs of lady's gloves, (black and tan-coloured), two railway tickets, one second-class frond Bishopotoke to Tottenham, (20th September, 1883, and the third from Waterlo t' Kew Beidff ',September 24th, 1883. In addition to these were three pawn tickate, one for the pledging of • diamond ring in the name of " A. West," the pawnbroker being "Charles J. Harris, Church-stres t, Greanwich ;" an titer for a "keeper," advanced by Russell, Shore iitch ; and the last for the pledge of a gold watch (E 2 pawnbroker, Harris. Any intelligence which may assist Srg ant Hasan) in disc sveriog tat) whereabouts of the unfortunate woman's friends ws old be gladly received by that officer.