SUICIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8029, 16 January 1906, Page 2

SUICIDE.

AX OLD IDENTITY. Much regret was felt at New Plymouth on Monday evening when it became knowu that William George Bennett, a very old identity of the town, had suicided by hanging during the day. Deceased, who was 72 years of nge, had been in somewhat indifferent health for some time, which preyed on his mind, causing his friends to give a vigilant watch on his movements. Otherwise, however, he was mentally robust, and continued to act as Secretary to the Egmont Lodge of Oddfellows, a position he hud held without intermission for 36 years. He left home on Monday morning for town, but no anxiety was occasioned by his absence until the failure to appear at mid-day. Inquiries were set afoot, his son, Mr John Bennett and others assiduously endeavoring to trace his movements. Late in the afternoon it was decided to try the Foresters' J fall, where deceased kept his Lodge books, rinding the door locked, the caretaker was sought, and admission gained, only to find deceased hanging from a hat-peg by a light ■■piece of rope. The body was immediately cut down and Dr. Walker, who was called in, pronounced that life had been extinct for some lime. The late Mr Bennett was amongst the oldest identities of the town, having landed here forty-six years ago. He u'as a soldier, who, like many old Taranaki settlers, procured his discharge and made New Zealand the I land of his adoption. Joining the Government Service, he was attached to the Deeds Ollice, where he remained until ho retired three years ago, some four years after qualifying for retiring allowance. Deceased was twice married and leaves a widow and large family of fifteen, all grown up. An inquest is to be held at tl o'clock this (Tuesday) morning, at deceased's late residence, near Elliot-street railway station, and the funeral will take place on Wednesday.