Suicide of Mr Chirnside

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 212, 23 July 1887, Page 2

Suicide of Mr Chirnside

Mr Thomas Chirnside, of Werribee Park, brother to Andrew Chirnside, terminated his existence in a very pad and tragic manner by blowing the front of his skull off with a fowling piece, which he loaded for the purpose. He had been drinking very heavily tor weeks pasfc, during which time he frequently exhibited suicidal tendencies. He was consequently placed under the treatment of Dr. Fitzgerald. After lunch on Saturday Chirnside insisted upon having liquor. This was determinedly refused him by his relatives. Shortly afterwards they heard a shot fired. On going to the spot they found' the lifeless body of the unhappy man lying on the ground. A string was found connecting th« trigger of the gun with his right foot. It was evident that he had placed the butt of the weapon on the ground and the muzzle immediately under the brow of the left eye, and had then discharged the contents by means of a cord looped on to his foot. Dr. Fitzgerald was telegraphed for to Melbourne and conveyed to Werribee by special train ; but his ser vices were valueless, as death must have been instantaneous. Deceased was a single man and 72 year's of age. He lived at Werribee Park with his brother and the family of the latter for many years, It is

said that ho has left all his w-eaMi to Tiis brother. At the inquest a v^diet of temporary insanity was returned.