Mental health is today something that we are much more aware of. In 1898 it was still a crime to attempt to kill yourself and was so until the mid 1960’s in most Australian states. This would be why Sergeant Sellenger said he would take no further action.
Western Australian Goldfields Courier 8 January 1898, page 12
A Sensational Attempt Suicide.
Passengers by the express train from Perth yesterday were startled when within a mile or two of Coolgardie by observing an occupant of one of the first-class carriages who had jumped out of the train, which at the time was travelling slowly, and when he recovered his feet with alacrity he commenced to beat himself about the head with a piece of iron whilst also at the same time running about in a frenzied manner.
On this extraordinary action being perceived, the train was backed, and the unfortunate man was seized and taken into a carriage. He was immediately recognised as Mr John Philp (42yrs), of the firm of Messrs Philp and Royle, the well-known contractors, and as his ordinary behaviour is of the quietest and most decorous kind, the sudden outbreak of apparent insanity caused the greatest astonishment and consternation.
Philp & Royal, Sylvester Street, Coolgardie. 1896 The man on the steps with the beard is John PHILP – Photo courtesy of Mrs. K Jones of Victoria.
The firm of Phil and Royal, Master Builders and Contractors, were located in Sylvester Street, Coolgardie. They also had a factory in Cassidy Street, Kalgoorlie. In 1897, Phil and Royal were the builders for the Kalgoorlie Primary School and additions to the Kalgoorlie Post Office, which included, a mail room, a new despatch clerk’s room, money order and Savings Bank room, and a storeroom. They also built several other prominent buildings in early Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. Other town buildings include the Broad Arrow Police Lockup and the Coolgardie Mechanics Institute.
On arrival at Coolgardie Mr Philp was immediately taken to the Government hospital by Constable Harris, and on examination, it was found that he had several severe contusions on the head and face, evidently the result of the use of the piece of iron with which he belaboured himself. Strange to say, Mr Philp, after the deed, appeared to regain his usual calmness, and at the hospital yesterday evening his demeanour was perfectly natural and in accord with his ordinary moods. It appears that he has been for the past three weeks a victim of insomnia, and a few days ago he went down to Perth with the object of having a few days’ rest and also to transact some business.
The brief holiday did not have the desired effect, however, and returning on the train yesterday. Mr Philp’s overstrained nerves gave way and in desperation, he committed the act described It appears, however, that in experiencing such a presentiment Mr Philp was entirely the victim of a hallucination, as his business affairs are on a perfectly sound basis. In view of the circumstances which surround the case, Sergeant Sellenger has decided not to take any action in the matter. The wounds from which Mr Philp is suffering are not serious, and it is anticipated that he will completely recover in a few days.
Sadly this was not the case.
Less than a week later on the 13th Jan 1898, at his home in Sylvester Street Coolgardie, he succeded in his previously unsuccessful attempt at suicide and cut his own throat. It was said at his inquest that he had committed the act while of unsound mind.
Western Australian Goldfields Courier 22 January 1898, page 16
Suicidal Mania – Mr John Philp Cuts his Throat.
Mr John Philp, who made so determined an attempt to end hie life a few weeks ago by jumping out of the train when in motion, completed his suicidal intention by cutting his throat at about 1 p.m. on the 12th. It appears that Mr Philp made good progress while in the hospital after his determined attempt a few weeks ago, but on leaving the institution a week since the attack of insomnia returned with such severity that it became necessary during the last few days for a relative of the family, Mr John Steer, a well-known plumber, to sleep in the same room at night in order to keep a careful watch over the actions of the unfortunate man. In spite of every precaution, however, the dire malady that affected Mr Philp’s mind drove its victim to the suicidal act which terminated his existence.
At about 1 p.m. yesterday Mr. Philp left his house, situated in Sylvester Street, almost directly opposite the Mechanics Institute, and entered an outhouse in the rear of his premises. He had not been there long when Messrs Hocking and Kerin, who were in the yard for the purpose of doing business with the firm, were attracted by groans coming from the outhouse. They tried to open the door but found it barred. The foreman carpenter in the employment of Mr. Philp then appeared on the scene with a chisel, with which instrument he prized open the door. A ghastly sight was presented within for Mr Philp lay on the floor in a pool of blood, with his throat cut almost from ear to ear, and a pen-knife, the instrument of the fatal deed, lying on the floor immersed in blood, with which various parts of the outhouse were deeply stained.
Tbe still breathing body was removed to the house and laid on a bed, and medical aid was immediately solicited, the police being also communicated with. Dr Whyte was quickly in attendance, but on his arrival, he found Mr Philp was quite dead. He examined the wound, which extended right across the throat for a length of from six to eight inches, completely severing ihe jugular vein and carotid artery. The knife which deceased used to end his life is an ordinary pen knife, which he had used to cut up his tobacco, being a habitual smoker.
Mr Philp’s wife, who was in the house at the time the tragedy was enacted, was thrown into a state of unconsciousness, the shock appearing almost, to paralyse nerves that had been overwrought in the anxious care which she had bestowed on her husband during his illness. The deceased arrived in Coolgardie with his late partner, Mr Boyle, about four years ago, and since that period the firm has been engaged in a number of very large contracts here, having the erection of the new Warden’s court and offices, which will comprise one of the finest structures in the colony in hand at the present time.
The affairs of Mr. Philp have all been in good order, and as Mr. Philp owned property here and in Kalgoorlie, we are at a loss to discover any motive for the deed except the promptings of temporary insanity. The deceased leaves a widow and six children, two of the latter being residents in Coolgardie. Mr Royle, the late partner of the deceased, left this colony on a trip a few months ago and died from consumption when in Adelaide, and it is supposed by some that this event had the effect of unhinging Mr Philp’s mind.
Mr J. M. Smith, J.P., commenced a coronial inquiry at 3 p.m. on the 13th. The body having been viewed by a jury of three, the inquest was adjourned. It appears from information obtained subsequently to the above that the deceased inflicted two wounds on himself, the second incision being smaller and less severe than the one we have described. Mr Philp was engaged in the morning in conversation over business matters with Mr Mercer, the Government supervisor, and the latter noticed that he appeared a little strange in his manner at that time. They separated, agreeing to meet again at noon, but the deceased failed to keep the appointment and shortly afterwards committed the fatal act.
John Philp was born in Portreath Cornwall England to William Henry Philp and Eliza Young and had been in the colonies for 14yrs. He had married Margaret Rose Talbot in Milparinka NSW at the age of 27 years and had six children, Mary Eliza ‘Marnie’ 14yrs, Emily 12yrs, John 10yrs, Susan 7yrs, Margaret 5yrs & Alexander James (infant) to mourn their loss. His estate was valued at £9016 (a considerable sum in these days). His wife and children returned to Victoria, his wife did not re-marry.
Marker on the grave of John Philp – Coolgardie Cemetry – Photo Find a Grave
Moya Sharp
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