A LEVIN TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1868, 24 August 1918, Page 3

A LEVIN TRAGEDY.

SCHOOL TEACHER SUICIDES,

A painful sensation was caused in Levin on Thursday morning when it became known- that one of the most popular and capable school teachers on this coast, Mr Albert J. Harding, had ended his life under particularly sad circumstances. The late Mr Harding left his .home early on Thursday morning, and when he was not in his place at the Levin District High School some time after the usual hour, enquiries were made as to his whereabouts. His brother, Mr W. Harding, was informed of his disappearance, and knowing he had been in the habit of visiting the scenic reserve at the end of Queen Street East, motored there in company with Mr N. C. Holdaway. A tragic discovery was made not far from the entrance gate, the body of the missing man being found on the path with a revolver by his side. Fears that he had taken his own life were continued. by the contents of a note, in which the late Mr Harding stated that he had been suffering from insomnia for some time, and dread of its consequences had impelled him to take the final step.

The deceased teacher was 38 years of age, and had been a resident of Levin for over ten years, He was originally in charge of tho secondary department of (he school, hut his best work had undoubtedly been accomplished as first assistant master of the primary school, where his acknowledged gifts as a teacher have been in no small measure responsible for the high place reached by the Levin School. Mr Harding held a peculiar place in the affections of the children, and few teachers have gained the confidence of parents as completely ns he had done. That he was also respected amongst (he members of his profession was evidenced by the fact that for some time prior to his death he held Ihe position of President of the Horovvhenua Educational Institute. A man of marked ability, a conscious lions-and enthusiastic worker, outspoken in his views of men and, things, tin 1 late Mr Harding’s death is a distinct loss to the community at a time when men of his calibre can ill be spared. To his wife, and son the sympathy of parents and residents of Levin and district generally will be extended in the hour of their sorrow. The District Coroner, Mr W. C. Nation, held an inquest, when the following verdict was returned:— “That deceased died from a gunshot wound in the head, self-intliet-ed." —Chronicle.