Suicide at New Plymouth.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5064, 8 April 1885, Page 2

Suicide at New Plymouth.

(P«B PBItSS AfISOCIATIONiIJ ;

New PLYk6OTH,;La9t riiglit. ; Oapt. Davidson, J,P. and Coroner for the district, committed suicide at his.rosiv dence this afternoon, by blowing out his brains. Deceased, was connected witbithe public bodies; and was chairman of the Justices of the Peace. He was formerly Mayor of New Plymouth, and captaiii of the Taranaki Cavalry, and he atone time held the rank of Major-Geaeral in the American Army. He had been at business till 3 p.m.,,. when he returned honie, ■ afte.r having procured a revolver from a shop in town. About ten minutes after hi« arrival, ho went into the shrubbery adjoining his residence! and shot bimielf' through the-, brain, death being instantaneous. Deceased, it is understood, wais embarrased in monetary matters, and had threatened; the day previous that he'wonld shoot himself. He leaves a Jwife and several children. The inquest is ,slill proceedirig, and; the ■ Court-house 1 is crowded to overflowing.- ..'.'. >'•■■ '.' .■v-v-.'.';v;.. •\:-.v:^; ; ;;--r: :;■ This^day.?; An inquest was held on the: body of Gapt. Davidson last night, when a verdict to the effect that he shot himself whilst in a fit of temporary insanity waa returhed. Financial difficulties are said to hare led to the committal of the fatal deed.