ANOTHER PALMERSTON TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8122, 29 May 1906, Page 2

ANOTHER PALMERSTON TRAGEDY.

._ SUICIDE OP WELL-KNOWN CONTEACTOE. FEB PBBBS ISSOCUTIO.N Palmeuston Nobth, May 28. There was a tremendous sensation in Falmerston this morning when it became known that still another had been added to the list of tragedies that have occurred in this town during the past three months About 10,26 o'olock this morning, Joseph Baunders, a contractor, wellknown all over the colony in connection with several public works, shot himself in the public reserve almost opposite the Post Office, Deceased was seen by the horrified spectators to suddenly raise hit right hand to his head, and fire. They imnulia ely ruihed'to him. Deceased had fallen on the side of the path, and was bleeding profusely from a wound just above the ear. The shot had passed right through the head. When medical assistance arrived Saunders was not quite dead, but expired almost immediately after. The bullet entered just above the right ear, and made its exit higher up on the left side of the head. A five-chambered revolver, apparently just purchased, was still in deceased's hand when the eye witnesses of the rash act rushed up to deceased. Deceased was a resident of Wellington, but had valuable property a few miles from Palmerston, and put in a lot of time here. He had also been engaged on contract work in the district. His two sons reside here—one on the property and another in Palmerston. No reason can at present be assigned for the act, but deceased was known to have suffered from insomnia for some time past.