Mexborough and Swinton Times January 11, 1929
Result Of Overstudy.
Suicide Attempt at Wath.
Pleading “guilty” to a charge of having tried to commit suicide at Wath on Jan.5th by inhaling coal gas, Herbert Harrison (25), furnace worker, of Mahon-avenue, Parkgate, appeared at Rotherham West Riding Police Court on Tuesday and said he did it in a lapse.
He had been studying hard for a degree in economics, and he was also in financial difficulties.
George bell, caretaker of Park-road Council Schools, Wath, said that on Jan. 5th he visited the schools about 9 a.m. and heard groaning coming from the direction of loft above the schoolroom. He also noticed a strong smell of gas. He immediately turned of the gas at the main, and then informed the police. In company with P.c. Hill, witness found defendant tying on the floor. A gas pipe had been broken, and one mid was very near defendant’s head.
P.c. Hill said he found defendant tying on his right side, groaning and frothing at the mouth. A gas pipe was an inch away from his mouth. Text minutes elapsed before he recovered.
The father said his son was taking an economic degree at the University, and he thought his hat was a lapse due to over study. He was only financially embarrassed temporarily.
Harrison was bound over for one year. He promised not to try to repeat his action