James Loutit (1852-1897)

Report of Death
TRAGEDY AT BALMAIN. - Last night the usually quiet neighbourhood of Stephen-street, Balmain, was thrown into a state of alarm by an occurrence which seems to point to a determined suicide. It appears from the circumstances reported to the Balmain police that about 8.30 p.m. a loud report was heard to proceed from Glenalva, the residence of the Rev. Ebenezer Fox, the minister of the Balmain Wesleyan Church. The report was heard by Mr. Hedley Fox, who was in the upper portion of the building, but no notice was taken of the circumstance. A little later Harold Fox, a younger son, saw the body of a man lying on the front verandah of the house. On examination it was found to be that of a man named James Loutit, a grocer, aged 45 years. A loaded revolver was by his side, and the upper portion of his forehead had been completely blown away. Constable James Rourke had the deceased removed to the Balmain Hospital morgue. Loutit, it appears, was formerly living with his wife and children at Chatswood, but owing to his habits Mrs. Loutit took police court proceedings and had him bound over to keep the peace. In order to protect herself and children she accepted the hospitality of the Rev. Ebenezer Fox, and came to reside at Glenalva, Stephen-street, Balmain, and was in the house when the tragic incident occurred.

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