SOLICITOR'S TRAGIC DEATH

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2144, 9 May 1914, Page 5

SOLICITOR'S TRAGIC DEATH

—— AT DTJNEDIN. (By Telegraph.—Frosa Association.) Dunedln, May 8. Shortly after 11 o'clock to-day Mr. J, F.'M. Fraser, K.C., had occasion to speak to his partner, Mr. J. F. Woodhouse, and, 011 entering Mr. Woodhouso's room for that purposo, was appalled to find that Mr. Wtiodhousn - had ' shot himself. This must have happened almost immediately before Mr. Frasar's entry, but no sliot was heard, -■ Tho wound was in tho forehead and a six-chambered revolvor, with ono chamber discharged, was lying near by. Mr. Woodhouso wjs then still alivo, but-ob-viously in a serious conditipn. Dr. Evan9 was summoned hastily, and Mr. Woodhouso was removed by ambulanco to a private hospital,, where he expired at 10 minutes to 2 this morning. Previously lie had been in his usual ' spirits, and shortly before the event took place he was in Mr. Fraser's room consulting with his chief at some length on current matters,' and specially devoting his attention j:o a business concern that called for some thinking out. Tuero was nothing in his demeanour or speech to gTvo the slightest indication tnat ho contemplated taking the fiteo which ho did. . Tho deceased gentleman served his legai apprenticeship in Auckland whore • no was brought up. but ho made his name professionally in Dunedin. For . many years lie wa&in partnership with Mr. ,A. Bathgate, and upon Mr. Bathgate s. retirement,'.he joined'the. legal firm of Messrs. Fraser and Macassey. Tho Into Mr. Woodhouse was accepted , as an authority on Company and l Trust Law, and his opinion js counsel was highly valued, throughout tho Doming As an after-dinner speaker he-had. / few equals in Now Zealand. .4,