CLERGYMAN COMMITS SUICIDE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 388, 12 March 1908, Page 4

CLERGYMAN COMMITS SUICIDE.

A shocking document to the Illingworth scandal occurred at Perth on February 3, when the Rev. Thomas Bird, one of the principal witnesses before the recent Royal Commission of Inquiry, was found dead in King’s Park, with a revolver lying by his side. A young man who was crossing the park at the time, heard a shot fired, and, running in the direction of the sound, found Bird lying face downwards with blood flowing Irom his mouth. Death was practically instantaneous. There was also a paper marked “Strychnine” lying at the side. The post-mortem revealed that deceased took poison before shooting himself.

Bird’s connection with the Illingworth case arose from the fact that he. became purchaser of the property on which Illingworth, then Treasurer, had obtained a loan from the Treasury through an alleged ‘ ‘ dummy. ’ ’ There was no suggestion of dishonourable conduct on Bird’s part, but the notoriety arising from the inquiry preyed on his mind. For upwards of a quarter of a century Mr Bird had been a prominent minister of the Methodist Church, and since the establishment of a separate West Australian conference in 1900 he held office both as secretary and president. The following uqte was found in his study:— “ For a long time I have wished to die. I am so disappointed at my own weakness. Men do as they like with me in money matters. My conference, sin .e xgoi always opposed me. I desire a most plain and economical funeral; no show. ’ ’