A SCHOOLMASTER'S DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14984, 4 May 1912, Page 8

A SCHOOLMASTER'S DEATH.

SUICIDE WITH A RIFLE.

[BY TELEGRAPHOWN CORRESPONDENT.] Coromeandel, Friday. A sensation wa3 caused in Coromandei this morning whoa it became known that Air. Alfred Hildyard Gatland, heaclmaator of the District High School, had been found at his rcsidenco dead from a rifle shot wound. Ho took his meals with Mrs. J. Denize, and as be did not appear for breakfast she sent her eon to look for him. The boy went to deceased's rcsidenco, and found him lying alongside the wash-house with a riflo close to him. Deceased was in his pyjamas, and had evidently slept in his bed. Ho had shot himself with a military riflo, and seemed to have used his foot to fire the weapon, as the bullet had entered his mouth and passed through his head. A shot was heard about five a.m.

The deceased had been in his usual state of health of late, and was with companions until nearly 11 o'clock last night, Ho was about 42 years of age, and was bom in Coromandol, being the second son of the late Captain J. B. 'Gatland. and had followed the teaching profession from his youth. Ho was formerly at tho Albert College, Auckland, master of the Waitaker© and Tokatea schools, and master of tho Waihi District School. The deceased was generally esteemed, and was a prominent Freemason, holding the office of W M Ho was also a member of the local Court of foresters, being a Past Chief Ranger. He was for many rears a prominent volunteer, and held tho rank of lieutenant, besides being a well-known marksman. An inquest was held to-day, and a Verdict was returned that deceased committed suicido during a temporary fit of depression.