The North Cumberland Reformer. — 1890-05-16 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

SUICIDE OF A LADY.  Mr. A. Braxton Hicks has held an inquiry 'it Battersea concerni?.g the death of Harriett Mary Gibbs, aged 35 years, lately reeding at 37, Eyot-gardens, Chiswick, who vu found drowned in the Thames on the 7th inst. It appeared that the deceased had been living with aMr Stokes. Edward John Thompson, of Merton.road, South Flainpstead. formerly a member of the M, trop.,itan Board of Works, said he was th- owner of the hause. 37, Eyot-gardens, Chiswick, which he let on March 13 last to Mr. " Hungry" Byron Stokes under an agreement for a thres years' tenancy. On April 1 he went to the house respecting some repairs, and the deceased then told him that she was not married to Mr. Stokes, who, she said, had deserted her and left her destitute. She besought him not to go to her relations. On April 16 witness received a letter from Birmingham signed "Ada Elizabeth Stokes," which stated that the deceased was an abandoned character. and that Mr. Stokes never signed witness's agreement in the presence of a third person. Witness regarded that letter as an attempt to put him off his guard, and took no notice of it. The witness handed to the coroner a long correspondence which had passed between the deceased and himself. One letter was dated April 24, but was not posted until four days later. It was addressed from 37, Fyot-gardens, and contamed the following pathetic sentences: I enclose the key of 37, and thank you for your great kindness and patience under my trying circumstances, and God will bless you for it, and His blessing is worth having. I was in great trouble before I met Mr. Stokes, and thought I had found a friend in need —a good, straightforward, honest man, for he has been very kind to me since I have known him, sodas I told him exactly bow I was situated, I think I did my duty. Be told me be did not love or want me for money, he had plenty of pieces; he loved me for myself, but, unfortunately for me, it looks as though he did. I have been cruelly wronged; but there Is One above who can pay debts without money, therefore the only way that I can get out of my troubles is by putting an end to my life, and death will be a happy release now. Therefore kindly communicate with my executor, Mr. 'Thomas Ococks, 1, Craven-villas, Uxbridge-road, Ealing, who will no doubt see to the furniture, as it is to be sold at my death. The keys of the house at Richmond are on the drawers in the front bedroom. So now, dear sir, believe me to remain, your respectfully, Hems= M. Gums. P.S.—lf you like to write to Mr. Stokes, the address is Victoria-place, Leebank-road, Birmingbarn." Upon the receipt of this letter witness at once went to the police, and on going to the house found the things described.'as Previous to this witness had been informed by the deceased that she had had an advance of £230 on her life interest under her aunt's will, but she only received £3O of it. Mr. Thomas ()cod 5, the trustee referred to, deposed to finding a letter with the deceased's keys, in which the deceased expressed a wish to be buried by Mr. Drew, of Richmond, in a coffin with black cloth, and in her aunt's grave. Tee jury returned a verdict of temporary insanity.  EFATINL ti