Deliberate Suicide.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 105, 8 April 1885, Page 3

Deliberate Suicide.

(UNITKI) PttESS ASSOCIATION.) New Plymouth, April 7. Captain Davidson, J.P. and Coroner for the district, committed suicide at his residence this afternoon, by blowing out his brains. The deed was done with a revolver. The bullet entered the roof of his mouth, and the brains were blown out of the root of the head. Monetary complications are assigned as the reason for the deed. Deceased was connected . with the public bodies, and was chairman of the Justices of the Peace. He was formerly Mayor of New Plymonth and captain of the Taranaki Cavalry, and at one time held the rank of MajorGeueral m the American army. He leaves a wife and large family. . -Lateb. Further particulars received of the suicide of Captain Davidson show that deceased had been at his business all day, till 3 p.m., when ho returned home, after having procured a revolver from a shop, m town. About ten minutes after his arrival home he went into a shrubbery adjoining his residence, and shot himself through the brain, death being instantaneous. Deceased was wellknown and much respected, having been Coroner and Mayor. An inquest was held this evening, when evidence was given to the following effect :— ? John Bleasdale stated that he was m the same grounds. with the deceased a few minutes prior to the occurrence, but left, and afterwards heard the report of a pistol. He looked m the direction where he had seen deceased sitting, and saw him lying on the ground ; went to him and found him lying on his side quite dead. Dr Leathain stated that the bullet had passed through the upper part of the mouth, penetrating the skull. Deceased, it is understood, was embarrassed m monetary matters and had used a threat thd day previous that he would shoot himself. He leaves a wife with several children. The inquest is still proceeding and it is not expected to be concluded till midnight. The courthouse is crowded to overflowing. De- j ceased was an officer m the American army. He commanded the mounted troopers at Parihaka. i