Transcribed by Ann Selchick. Geo. <wondering if Mr. Beck's landlady was speaking from experience.> THE NORTHERN NEWS, OCTOBER 9, 1897. SHORT NEWS ITEMS. ____ Mr. Lethbridge BECK, 32, an actor, who has been playing the part of Leeson in “The Two Little Vagabonds” at the Shakespeare Theatre, Clapham, committed suicide on Friday night at his lodgings in Chelsea by cutting his throat. The only reason assigned for the act is possible mental derangement, as his landlady states he had no business worries or any love affair to cause depression. ** A Blue-book is issued containing a report by Mr. Sydney STEPHENSON, M. D., on an inquiry undertaken by him at the request of the Local Government Board upon the ophthalmic state of Poor Law Children in the Metropolis. The report mainly gives the percentage of boys, girls, and infants affected in various homes, and Mr. STEPHENSON suggests giving children more space in their sleeping and living rooms, keeping their towels separate, increasing outdoor games and improving their clothing and diet. ______