DEATH OF MAJOR SAUNDERS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 809, 8 February 1910, Page 2

DEATH OF MAJOR SAUNDERS

the inquest;

At the inquest touching the death of Major Henry W. Saunders at Rata, Patrick O’Grady, railway surfaceman, gave evidence as to deceased’s arrest. He took charge of him until the police arrived from Hunterville, and had the assistance of his mates, who were working on the line. He accompanied Constable Gray with Saunders to his whare. After deceased had changed his shirt he asked to eat a piece of bread and butter, as he was hungry. They kept a close watch over him while he was eating. They then left to catch the train. Saunders locked the door of the whare, and handed the key to the constable. He (Saunders) jumped over the gate, and when about two chains from the whare he began to stagger, and then collapsed. Efforts to. resuscitate him proved futile, and he died within ten minutes. Witness did not think that deceased could possibly have obtained poison in the whare while they were present. He might have * » had a tabloid containing poison or something else in bis pocket. John Murphy, surfaceman, corroborated the statements made by the previous witness. Constable Gray also gave evidence. His account of what occurred in the whare when Saunders was under arrest was similar to that given by O’Grady. He searched Saunders before taking him to his whare. He wanted to go there to hand over the School Committee’s books (he being secretary) to Mr O’Grady, who was chairman. Saunders sat down and made out a bank deposit slip, which, together with a cheque, he handed to witness, to be banked at Hunterville. He watched him carefully so that he could not do anything to evade justice. When he began to stagger on the road to the station, witness caught hold of him and said: “ What have you taken, Saunders ?” He appeared to be incapable of replying. In the whare he found a number ot letters showing that suicide was premeditated about January Sth. This was about the time two detectives were at Rata. A portion of one letter i read as follows :

“ This is the last time any letter will reach you from me. When you receive it 1 shall be beyond help. The p.u. given to and one for at are both forgeries. With these exceptions I have been a faithful friend to you and studied your interests as my own. The reason I took this extraordinary method of raising money was that if the worst came you would be safe. My confession exonerates you altogether. I am sorry you have had the trouble of a journey to Wanganui. Had you said a little more yesterday I would have saved you that trouble and expense. Good-bye, old friend, I will call you that once more.”

In connection with deceased’s appointment as major of the Rangitikei Battalion (School Cadets), it is stated that Major McDonald can find no record of his appointment, and no records can be found of its confirmation by yi the Education Board, which is necessary. This matter was discussed when the new regulations came into force, and it was found that Saunders was not eligible for appointment under the new Act, as only members of the reserve and teachers can hold office. Appointments are made by the officer commanding subject to confirmation by the Education Board. On Wednesday Saunders attended the Rata School parade, and read the orders for Eord Kitchener’s inspection qf the cadets. The headmaster of tlae Rata School states that he does nqt know from whom Saunders received these orders or what authqrity he had for announcing them.