DEATH OF MR. J. SAUNDERS.
SHOOTS HIMSELF IN A PUBLIC RESERVE.
[BY TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION.]
PALMERSTON, This Day.
A sensation was caused in Palmerston this morning when it became known that still another had been added to the list of tragedies which have occurred in the town during the past three months.
About 10.25 a.m. this morning, Mr. Joseph Saunders, a contractor, well known all over the colony in connection with several large public works, shot himself in the public reserve almost opposite the post office. Deceased was seen by horrified spectators to suddenly raise his right hand to his head and fire. They immediately rushed to him.
Deceased had fallen on the side of the path, and was bleeding profusely from a wound just above the ear. The shot passed right through his head. When medical assistance arrived, Mr. Saunders was not quite dead, but he 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.
Deceased was a resident in Wellington, but he has valuable property a few miles from Palmerston, and put in a lot of time here. He had also been engaged in contract work in the district. Two sons reside here, one on the property and another in Palmerston. No reason is at present assigned for the act, but the deceased is known to have suffered from insomnia for some time past.
The news of Mr. Saunders’s sad end caused the greatest surprise amongst deceased’s most intimate friends. On Friday last he seemed to be in the best of spirits, and was working out the details of the Seatoun tunnel contract, which he had just secured from the City Council.
Mr. Saunders was about 62 years of age, and was a native of Wellington. In 1865 he was a trooper in the Defence Force. Later he became a contractor, and for a long term of years had been associated with the carrying out of some of the biggest works undertaken in this part of the colony.
His first big undertaking was the initial section of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, a £90,000 contract, which included the Thorndon reclamation, and the construction of several tunnels on the way to Khandallah. He also constructed a viaduct on the Napier railway, built several large bridges over the Rangitikei River, and carried out very extensive works at Foxton.
A number of reclaiming contracts let by the Wellington Harbour Board were also secured by him and successfully completed. For the Government he carried out the Rotorua drainage scheme, and just a few days ago signed the contract for the excavation and facing of the Seatoun tunnel.
Some years ago Mr. Saunders was in partnership with Mr. O’Malley. Deceased was President of the Wellington Rowing Club, and took a great interest in racing and kindred sports. He leaves a widow and a large family.
