Strand Suicide

STRAND SUICIDE.
House Decorator's Last Will and Testament.

Mr. John Troutbeck held an inquiry today relative to the death of Arthur John Clark, a builder and decorator, of 113, Gipsy-road, Norwood, his private address.
The evidence went to show that deceased, who had a place of business in the Strand, had lately given way to drink, and on Sunday morning was found in a room full of gas.
Police-constable Hobbs, who was called to the premises, deposed that on making a search of the room he found lying on a table the following, signed by the deceased: -

"5th July, 1902. - This is my last will. I leave all I possess to my wife, Emily Clark."

Pinned to the will was a receipt, showing that the previous day deceased had renewed an insurance policy for 100 pounds on behalf of his wife.
The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst temporarily insane."

Source: The Echo, Tuesday July 8, 1902