MELANCHOLY DEATH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1276, 29 June 1886, Page 2

MELANCHOLY DEATH.

Suicide of Mr W. Barnicoat.

Wellington, June 29. A melancholy suicide is reported this morning. Mr W, Barniooat, teacher at Wellington College, has shot hi mself. Mr Barnicoat yesterday appeared wandering in his mind, and spoke in a strange manner to some of hla pupils. Later la the day be complained of being depressed in spirits, and Mr McKay, the principal, sent for Dr Collins, who administered a aleeplng draugh, and Mr Barnicoat fell asleep. Deceased was missed, and on searching his study he was found quite dead, in a sitting posture, with a ballet hole in his temple and a gnu lying by hia side. The deceased was a young man, popular among the pupils, and took a prominent part in athletic sports. It is not known what led to the rash act. Deceased was a son of the Hon W. J. Barnicoat, M.L.C, Later. Mr Barnicoat evidently shot himself about 8.15 this morning, while the other opposite end of building to study, which masters and pupils were at breakfast at the circumstance accounts for the report of the gun not being heard. The Act is attributed to nervous depression. He had complained of aleeplessness. It is understood the deceased left a letter in which he declared his intention of destroying himself.