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ARMY NURSE'S SUICIDE
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FATAL LEAP AT LANDPORT.
The death of Eliza Holland, an Army nurse, which took place under circumstances pointing to suicide at the "Central Hotel," Landport, on Thursday morning, were investigated by the Borough Coroner (Mr. T. A. Bramsdon) at the Town Hall this afternoon.
Frederick Holland, of Burton-on-Trent, gave evidence to the effect that the deceased was his sister, and was 46 years of age. She was engaged as an Army nurse, and in that capacity went out to South Africa, but was invalided home on account of ill-health. Deceased was staying with witness until the 29th ult., and then she left to go to Netley Hospital on duty. Last week he had a letter from her saying that she had left the Army and was going to Portsmouth. During the time she was with him she was not altogether cheerful.
Mr. William Quarterman East, the proprietor of the "Central" Hotel, said that the deceased took a room at the "Central" Hotel on Saturday morning last, and was given room No. 30 on the third floor at the back of the hotel. On Thursday morning, in consequence of what he was told, he forced the bedroom door open. The window was wide open, and the looking-glass had been moved aside in order to give free access to the window. There was a purse on the table containing £15 18s. The window was about 60ft. from the ground.
Matilda Roe, a chambermaid at the hotel, said that the deceased had told her that she was very depressed, which she added was due to overwork. During the time the deceased was at the hotel she had scarcely anything to eat.
David Budden, living at 19, Penhale-road, outside porter at the "Central," deposed to seeing the deceased on the pavement in Willis-road, at 7.50 on Thursday morning. She was clad in a dressing gown, but had no shoes or hat on.
Helen Campbell Morgan, Lady Superintendent of the Army Nursing Staff at Netley Hospital, said she had known the deceased for five years. Before going to South Africa deceased was acting superintendent at the Station Hospital. She had been sent back from South Africa in trouble, it having been stated that she was addicted to intemperance and taking drugs. Her position, however, had not been altered. On Saturday last the deceased said she wanted to resign, but witness asked her to think over it. She, however, insisted, and left the same day. The staff at the Hospital knew why she was at the Hospital. She was a very hysterical woman, and was excited when she tendered her resignation. Deceased did not know whether witness would report favourably or otherwise of her, and upon the report depended whether deceased should be reduced or not.
Constable Hancock gave evidence of the removal of the body. It was, he said, lying on the left side, and had, in falling, apparently struck the lamppost. The body was cold.
Medical evidence was given by Dr. Hann. He said that there was a comminuted fracture of the left shoulder, and there was a lacerated scalp wound with a fracture on the left side. The brain substance was unusually soft probably due to depression and worry. The bones on both sides of the chest were fractured and penetrated the lungs, which were lacerated very much. Death was due to shock from injury to the brain and laceration of the internal organs.
Detective Sheppard, the Coroner's officer, said that he had made an examination of room No. 30 at the "Central" Hotel. In front of the window the glass had been removed and a chain placed just underneath the opening, which was 3ft. 6in. to the floor. On the table in the deceased's handwriting was a note written on an envelope, which read "£15 11s. in money. All for my sister, Miss E. Holland, 172, Station-street, Burton-on-Trent."
The Coroner, in summing up, remarked upon the sadness of the case. The jury returned a verdict that deceased committed "Suicide while temporarily insane."
The Evening News, Friday 7th June 1901
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