A SENSATION IN DUNEDIN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 16, 9 May 1914, Page 5

A SENSATION IN DUNEDIN.

SOLICITOR COMMITS SUICIDE. [Per Press Ahsootation.] Dunedin, May 8. Shortly after 11 o'clock to-day, Mr J. P. M. Eraser, K.C., had occasion to speak to his partner, Mr J. F. Woodhouse, and, entering Mr Woodhouse's room for that purpose, was appalled to find that. Mr Woodhouse had shot himself. This must have happened almost immediately before Mr Eraser's entry, but no shot was heard. There was a wound in tho middle of the forehead. He was sitting in his chair, and leaning over the desk. A six-chambered revolver,, with one chamber discharged, lay at his feet. Mr Woodhouse was still alive, but obviously in a serious condition. Dr. Evans was summoned hastily, and Mr Woodhouse was removed by tho ambulance to a private hospital where he expired at 10 minutes to 2. This morning he was in his usual spirits. ( Shortly before tho shot must have been fired he was in Mr Eraser's room, consulting with his chief at some length on current matters, and specially devoting his attention to a business concern that called for some thinking out. There was nothing in his demeanor or speech to give the slightest indication that "he contemplated taking the step he did. The deceased gentleman served his legal apprenticeship in Auckland, where he was brought up, but he made his name professionally in Dunedin. For many years he was in partnership with Mr A. Bathgate, and upon Mr Bathgate's retirement he joined Messrs Fraser and Macassey. Mr Woodhouse was accepted as an authority on company trust law, and his opinion as counsel was highly valued throughout the Dominion. As an after-dinner speaker he had few equals in New Zealand. The deceased gentleman's family consisted of Mrs Woodhouse, a sister of Mr A. Bathgate, his late partner, one son (Dr. Woodhouse), who is on his way to England, and two unmarried daughters.