TRAGEDY IN AUCKLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16675, 22 April 1916, Page 4

TRAGEDY IN AUCKLAND

DLATH OF REV. W. SLADE. (Per United Pbesh Association.) AUCKLAND, April 20. Tho lleY. ffm. Slado, Metlhodist minister, 57 years of age, who was on leave on account of a nervous breakdown, found in his bedroom by Ids wife, suffering iroin a gunshot wound. in tho head. Further details show that tho deceased s wifo heard a, shot, and going into tuo bedroom, found her husband lying on tho floor with a revolver near. There was a bullet in his head. Death occurred on tho way to tho hospital. Tho deceased entered the Methodist Church in 1881, and was stationed at Ragtan, Tauranga, and Port Chalmers. Later ho entered foreign mission work, in which ho laboured, for 17 years. In 1903 ho returned to the dominion, and was appointed to Onehunga, and later to tho Central Mission in Dunedin. In 1907 he became Prcsidet of the Conference, and ■in 1914 visited England' in order to raise funds to liquidate the debt on tho Octagon Hall, Dunedin. Owing to the war his efforts were unsuccessful, and since his return ho had bftn very depressed. Ho was pufForin# from ili-liealth. At the beginning of the present year, .ho came to Auckland. Tho news of tho tragio death of Mr Slado will bo receiyed with profound regret by a large section of the community in Dunedin, wihero lie laboured for several years wil.ll distinction as tihe pastor °f Methodist Central Mission. His work proved a great influence for good, and during his charge he beonme endeared to his congregation and respected by tho public. He first came into prominence at an important Trafalgar Day meeting here, when, at short notico. ho "m,ado a "striking impromptu spcech, in lieu of an address by Sir Josenh Ward, -who was unable to be present. Later he took part in many public functions. He rendered sterling scrvice to his Church this city, his administrative ability* combined with Quick and ready faculty in the matter of finance, being of much assistance to tho Church. His trip abroad, with tho idea of securing monetary aid for the Church will probably ho remembered by Ihmedin citizens. His mission, of course, was obstructed owing to the outbreak of war. Mr Slado was greatly disappointed, but the' hearty reception that was accorded him on his re-' turn to Dunodin indicated the keen approbation felt by his people and friends for his praiseworthy effort in the matter.