Sensational Suicide.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8199, 28 May 1906, Page 5

Sensational Suicide.

Old Colonist Shoots Himself in i the Square. Death Almost Immediate A wave of horror passed over Palmerston this morning when it became known that still another had been added to the list of tragedies that have occurred here since the beginning of the year. This time it was sensational suicide that attracted the interest of the always morbidly inclined crowd. The tragedy occurred in the north, western quarter of the Square, and within a stone's throw of the Post Office, and the man who took his own life was Mf Joseph Saunders, a very well-known figure in Palmerston, Wellington, Wanganui, Napier and many other districts. How it came to pass is best told in the words of three eye-wit-nesses of the whole affair, and as narrated by them to a representative of this paper. The three gentlemen referred to were Messrs Eberhard, Lomax and Hirschel. Mr Lomax's story, corroborated by the others, is to the following effect:— About 10.25 o'clock this morning he passed from the Post Office through the north-eastern Square reserve to meet the other two, who were waiting for him at the opposite side. In walking along the path he met and passed Mr Saunders, going slowly towards the Post Office. As far as he noticed the latter appeared all right. After meeting his friends Mr Lomax also started to walk through the reserve towards the Post Office, Mr Saunders being then some thirty feet m advance of them: When they reached the intersection of the two paths in the centre of the reserve they were horrified to see Mr Saunders suddenly raise a revolver m his right hand, point it at his own head just above the ear, and fire a shot. Of course they immediately rushed forward but before they reached him the unfortunate man had fallen to the ground, at the side of the path, bleeding profusely from" the wound. Apparently the shot had taken almost instant effect, passing right through the head. He was not dead, however, so beyond placing him in a rather more comfortable position beneath the shrub under which he had rolled they did not touch him. They sent at once for the police and tor medical assistance. Dr Rockstrow was speedily on the scene, followed shortly after by Dr Putnam. Saunders was still alive, though clearly almost in extremis, so what assistance was possible was rendered at once. The police then putting in an appearance with a conveyance the unfortunate victim of his own act was removed to the morgue. Dr Putnam expressed the opinion that he would not live to reach the place, and events proved that he was right. A hurried examination on arrival there showed that Mr Saunders was quite dead. The fatal bullet entered just above the right ear and made its exit higher up on the opposite side of the head. The weapon with which the deed was done was a brand new five-chambered revolver, apparently just purchased. Deceased, who was about 62 or 63 years of age, was a contractor by trade and was exceedingly well-known throughout the colony, particularly in Wellington, where he and his family resided for many years. Mr Saunders owned valuable property at Awahuri and elsewhere.

He came to the colony about 40 years ago •with very little means. Soon after his arrival in Wellington he was married and from that time, as he often told his friends, he had never gone back. Starting first on small jobs in Wellington and at the Hutt he gradually worked up until his business had grown to big dimensions. He took contracts for reclaiming land at Wellington and Wanganui, he built the breakwater at Napier, and in many other localities his firm was well known for their work. Quite recently he secured a big contract m Wellington to pierce a tunnel through to Kilbirnie. Among other contracts the late Mr Saunders carried out were the following : —Construction of a section of the Greymouth-Hokitika railway; wharf extension, reclamation works, and altering railway approach in Foxton ; installation of Eotorua drainage system ; construction of Bulls bridge ; and strengthening Fitzherbert bridge. Mr Saunders' tender was also accepted lately for the construction of the Miramar tram. Two of deceased's sons are residents ot this district. Mr E. J. Saunders is a contractor living in Bourke-street, while Mr Charles Saunders is a well known farmer at Awahuri. He himself resided in Wellington, but often travelled about the island in connection witli different works. It is difficult at present to assign any motive for the tragic act, but Mr Saunders is said to have suffered severely from insomnia. It is reported that only ten minutes before Mr Saunders fired the fatal shot he rang tip Mr G. E. Hall and made an appointment with him. At the time when he committed the rash act he must have been going to keep this appointment, which was in reference to the purchase of some horses for work on a contract in Wellington. Deceased had also made an appointment with Mr Weekes, of Awapuni to discuss matters in connection with the Mangaone outlet contract. Deceased was a well-known figure m sporting circles for years past. About 1889 he was racing with some success, The Shah carrying his colours to the front in more than one important handicap, including the Manawatu Cup. The\ Shah subsequently dropped dead while contesting a race at Wanganui. Eobm Hood, a hurdler, w:is another of Mr Saunders' horses and.he won one or two races with him. He also in later years owned Strathnairn, but raced him unsuccessfully. For some vears deceased was a steward of the Wellington and Feilding Eacing Clubs and was also a member of the Manawatu Club but resigned. Thoiigli Strathnairn was his last racing venture deceased remained an ardent suppofter of the turf and was a well-known figure on all courses on I this coast

The revolver was purchased at Messrs Permain and. Gilchrist's establishment about 10.15 a.m., just a qua Her of an hour before he shot himself. He also got 50 rounds of ammunition, saying he wanted the outfit for his son. At that time lie was perfectly calm and collected, and conversed with the proprietors in his usual fashion. He did not load the weapon while in the shop. Subsequent examination showed, that lie must have loaded all

the chambers* only one being discharged. ; j The inquest has been fixed for 10 o'clock to-morrow morning m the Courthouse. -