Hampshire Advertiser (UK)
Saturday, 12 January 1889

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 12.

SAD DEATH OF A BARRISTER.

An inquiry was held last week by Mr. Diplock, at Chiswick, respecting the death of Montague John Druitt, 31 years of age, who was found drowned in the Thames. The deceased was identified by his brother, Mr. Wm. Harvey Druitt, a solicitor residing at Bournemouth who stated that the deceased was a barrister-at-law, but had lately been an assistant at a school at Blackheath. The deceased had left a letter, addressed to Mr. Valentine, of the school, in which he alluded to suicide. Evidence having been given as to discovering deceased in the Thames - upon him was found a cheque for £50 and £16 in gold - the jury returned a verdict of suicide whilst of "unsound mind." The deceased gentleman was well-known and much respected in this neighbourhood. The funeral took place in Wimborne Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, and the body was followed to the grave by deceased’s relatives and a few friends, including Mr. W. H. Druitt, Mr. Arthur Druitt, Rev. C. H. Druitt, Mr. J Druitt, sen., Mr. J. Druitt, jun., Mr. J. T. Homer, and Mr. Wyke-Smith. The funeral service was read by the Vicar of the Minster, Wimborne, the Rev. F. J. Huyshe, assisted by the Rev. W. E. Plater.