MAJOR SAUNDERS' DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 309, 8 February 1910, Page 8

MAJOR SAUNDERS' DEATH.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. Wanganui, Saturday. Although the late Major William Henry Saunders, who committed suicide at Rata, was the officer commanding the third Wanganui battalion of the Public School Cadets, little was known of him in this town. He settled at Rata some thirteen years ago, living a kind of hermit's i'fe in a wliare there. He was an exceedingly well-read man, and received remittances from Homo at intervale. Rumor credited him with being a member of an old English family, and the holder of a tifte. He was a recognised authority on cadet matters, and took a great interest in sport and local affairs. For some time past he had been under suspicion for the offence for which lie was arretted, and about a month ago the police visited the locality to make enquiries. Evidently the deceased got to hear of this and the fact preyed on his mind, as letters written three weeks ago showed that he premeditated suicide, and he was known to be depressed in spirit. Tt appears that some railway men •wh'o were watching Saunders, saw him commit the offence for which he was arrested. The men took charge of Saunders until the police arrived, and ■one of them accompanied Constable Gray to deceased's wliare, where Saunders was taken to enable him to change his clothes. Saunders then asked for a piece of bread and butter, as he was hungry. A close watch was kept ov.;r him while he was eating, and the party then left to catch the train. Deceased locked the door of his whare, and nil leaving handed the key to the constable. Deceased "got over the railway gate all rlglvt, out when a flout two chains from "His wliare lie began to stagger, and then collapsed. Efforts to resnseit.ue him proved futile, and lie died within ten minutes.