SUICIDE OF MR CHIRNSIDE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1605, 9 July 1887, Page 1

SUICIDE OF MR CHIRNSIDE.

At Melbourne on Saturday afternoon, June 25th, Mr Thomas Chirnside, of Wembc-e I aik, terminated hta existence in a very sad and tragic manner by blowing the front of hia skull off with a fowlingpiece, which he loaded for the purpose. Ho had been drinking very heavily for weeks past, during which he exhihiteu suicidal tendencies, and was, consequently, placed under the treatment of Dr Pilz" gere'd, After lunch on Saturday Mr Ohirnside insisted upon having liquor, but was determinedly reused by his relatives, who subsequently heard a shot in the grounds, and on going to the spot found the lifeless body ,of Mr Chirnside lying onthe ground, A string was found to connect the trigger of the gun with his right foot, and it was evident that he had placed the butt of (he weapon on (he ground and the muzz'e immediately under the brow of the left eye, and then discharged the contents by means of the cord looped on his foot. Deceased was a single man, forty-two years of age. He had lived at Werriboe Park with his brother and the family of the latter for many years. It is eaid that he has left all his wealth to his brother. The Chirnside family are amongst the largest landowners in Austra'ia. The deceased was a noted sportsman, and first imported red deer into the colony. He also owned the famous Derby favorite Newminster and other successful racehorses, and quite recently he .purchased some of the New Zealand Stud Company’s yearlings at high prices.