CORONER'S INQUEST.
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 182, 3 August 1877

Au inquest was held at Foxhill to-day before Dr. Squires, the coroner, and a jury on the body of William Arthur Morrison, who yesterday afternoon committed suicide by hanging himself. The only evidence taken was that of Thomas Alexander Morrison, son of the deceased, who said that his father, who was 62 years of age, appeared to be as usual yesterday, had his dinner at 12-30, and then went towards the bush. Shortly after two, witness went out after some sheep, and found deceased hanging by a plough rein from a wild pear tree. The rope was fastened to the stem of the tree, then wound round it and passed over a branch. His feet were about 18 inches from the ground. Assistance being obtained he was cut down, and was found to be quite motionless, and the hands cold. For some time back he had not been in a happy frame of mind and often spoke of making away with himself or some of the family. About four months ago he got a rope and said he would hang himself. Ha went out, but seeing some of us following him he threw the rope away, and we took possession of it. I think he committed suicide when in an unsound state of mind. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Children:
1. Agnes Jane Morrison, b.1852, d. 1929
2. Thomas Alexander Morrison, b. 23/12/1853, d. 30/10/1858, Married Margaret Eliza Jane Davies 1891
3. David Morrison, b. 1855, d. 3/4/1923 or 6/5/1923 Mt Magnet Western Australia
4. Grace Morrison, b. 18/51853, d. 29/12/1939, Married Charles Lines 1879
5. Madge Morrison, b. 1859, d. 24/6/1897
6. Robert Morrison, b. 27/8/1861
7. Mary Little Morrison, b.9/1/1863, d. 10/10/1942, Married Joseph Hetherington Silcock 1884
8. Arthur James or William Arthur Morrison, b. 1866, d. 1918
9. Ellen Burns Morrison, b. 1868, d. 1918, Married John Bateman 1892
10. John Edward Morrison, b. 27/9/1870, d. 14/7/1944, Married Rose Eyles 1893
11. George Frederick Morrison, b. 16/7/1873
12. Catherine Smith Morrison, b. 9/10/1875, d. 1876, (13 Months)
13. ???Robert Charles Morrison, b. 1875 Married Alice Gear Hingston 1897
14. ???William Frederick Morrison, b. 1876
15. ???Catherine Annie Morrison, b. 1877