Weekly News. — 1890-05-22 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

ATTEMPTED SUICIDES.  At the Petty Sessions on Tuesda7, before General Sir William Parke (chairman), and Mr. M. S. Williams, 'Plate tlalpin, a girl, 15 years of age, was charged with taking poison with intent to committ suicide. The Rev. H. W. Steele, rector of Stoke Wake, said the prisoner had been in his employ as a domestic servant for six weeks. On Tuesday, the 13th of May, she was sent to post four letters, one of which was addressed to prisoner's mother. Owing to suspicions, which had been aroused, he accused the prisoner of having posted only three of the letters. This accusation she denied, and left the room. A few moments afterwards he was called, and on going into prisoner's bedroom found her sick and excited. He gave her mustard and water, which she drank, and he then sent for Dr. McArthur. Prisoner afterwards acknowledged having taken something. Dr. McArthur said that on Wednesday he received a message to go to Stoke Rectory. He went there and saw the prisoner, and from the symptoms exhibited he believed she was then suffering from narcotic poisoning. He administered 'antidotes, and when he called again at midnight prisoner was better. On the following day he gave permission for her removal to the Workhouse. On being re-called, witness, in reply to the chairman, said that he had no reason to suppose that the prisoner was of unsound mind. She expressed regret at her conduct. On Friday she was not responsible for her words or actions, as she was in a state of semi-stupor. P.C. Stone said that from information received from the previous witness, he went to Stoke Rectory. He found Edith Galpin in bed, and asked her what she had done to make herself so ill, but she denied taking anything. She afterwards said. " I might as well tell the truth, I saw a bottle on the mantelpiece when I went into my master's room labelled ' poison.' I took and drank three "glutches," afterwards drinking warm and cold water, but it was very hot." Prisoner also said, "My nasty temper got over me." On the following day the prisoner was talking to Edith Thorne, when she said, " The next time I do it do it to perfection." She also said, "If I . have to go home I will label my box for borne and then go to Bruton. and they shall Nee what I will do. I dread the thought to have to go home." In answer to the Bench, prisoner said she had nothing to say, and no witnesses to call. The Chairman severely censured the prisoner; and as her mother promised to look after her in every way, she was allowed to go. At the same Court James Steel was charged with attempting to commit suicide by drowning. The fellow. ing evidence was taken:— Joseph Dowling said: Sam a colt breaker, and about a quarter to eight on Friday, May 16th, I saw a man on the corner of the bridge proceeding to the town. He stayed a minnte, took off his coat and hat, walked back towards the other end of the bridge, then mounted the parapet and fell into the water. I saw him got out by Henry Beale. The prisoner is the same man. Berry Beale said: I am a shoeing-smith and reside by the bridge. On Friday, May 16th, I was near my shop and heard there was a man in the water. I went for the key of the boat and proceeded to the man. I got him out in an unconscious state and gave him in charge of P.C. Cuff. The constable (P.C. Cuff) stated that from information he received he proceeded to the bridge and found the las, witness and others had a man who was taken from the water in a very exhausted state. He cautioned him, and charged him with attempting to commit suicide. The prisoner said "Oh dear, what will they do with me." .  Prisoner, in reply to the chairman said he was sorry, it was through weakness that he did it. It was d one, and must take its course.  The magistrates committed prisoner for trial at the next Dorchester Sessions.  The witness, Henry Beale, was complimented by the chairman on the Englishmanlike spirit he had displayed in saving the man.