SUICIDE AT MASTERTON

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 45, 17 November 1920, Page 8

SUICIDE AT MASTERTON

A WELL-KNOWN RESIDENT. By Telegraph—Sooeial Correspondent. Masterton, November 16. The (-regie death of Mr. Edwin Feist, one of the founders of tho town, who had always been actively associated with municipal government nnd social affairs, cast gloom over Masterton to-day. Deceased had, been in Indifferent health for some time,' nnd only yesterday returned from a health-recruiting trip to Napier. Ixist night he complained ot feeling unwell, but after taking some medicine went 'to bed about, eleven o'clock. On rising early this morning, his housekeeper discovered that he was not in his room, and his body was later found hanging by a rope from a beam in the stable. The lato Mr. Feist was born in Tramfield, Sussex, 79 years ago, and arrived at Wellington by the ship Mallard in 1865. He carried on business with his brother as a draper and grocer in Queen Street, Masterton, until-he retired in 18S8. From the commencement of .his residence here, Mr. Feist was closely identified with the municipal life of the town. He served for somo years on Hie Town Board, and was Infer made a member of the first Borough Council; 111 1880 he was elected Mayor. In 18S1 ho was made chairman of the Trust Land's Tni-»t and serwl continuously on that body until 1907, when he retired. On both thes bodies, and a 9 chairman of tho Park Trust and the Cemetery Trustees, deceased displayed zeal in any movement pertaining to tho'welfarc of 'tho borough. As secretary ■and treasurer of Knox Church, Mr. I'eirjt manifested the same qualities as in lift management of municipal affairs. Out of respect to the deceased, the 'Mayor (Mr. W. H. Jackson) moved at the council meeting to-night: That 'the oouncil adjourn until to-morrow night." 'Mr. Jackson said that ho had been associated with Mr. Feist in School Committeo matron?, and as fellow-mombors of the Masterton Bowling .Club. In every sphere of his activities, the Into citizen had been noted for his honesty of purpose nnd his pure living. It was pitiful to think that a life so well spent had onded so sadly. Councillor Atkinson (who seconded the ntotlon), and Councillors O'Leary, Watson. and Perry spoke in n like strain. Ihe motion was carried in silence, members standing. It was also resolvod to seiul a lettor of condolence to tho relatives of deceased. At an inquest held by the District Ooronor (Mr. E. G Eton), a verdict was returned that death was due to mucide by strangulation whilst mentally deranged. The funeral will leave Knox Church ut 1.30 p.m. to-morrow (Wednesday),