DEATH OF AN EX-M.P.

MR W. J. DICKIE.

(IT TBI.EGIUrn.—I'RESS ASSOCIATION.)

ASHBURTON, 25th June,

The verdict at the inquest, on William James Dickie, formerly member for Selwyn, was one of "death from a gunshot wound in the head, self-inflicted while temporarily insaine, or during a period of brain-storm." The evidence showed that deceased had recently been in poor health and under medical attention. He was also worrying about his financial position, which, however, from the evidence, appeared sound.

Mr. Dickie, who was about 60 years of age, was bom at Gobden, on the West Coast. He was in business at Greymouth for some 'time,- and then took up farming in Canterbury. lie took an active interest in local affairs, and in 1911 was elected in the Liberal interest as member for the House of Representatives for . Sslwy-n, defeating the Hon. C. A. Hardy. At the last election he contested the Ashburton seat, and was defeated by the Hon. W. Nosworthy. Up to the time of his death he continued his interest in, and membership of, local governing bodies and agricultural a_d pastoral associations. He leaves a widow, two grown-up sons, and a daughter.