WANAKA. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

Otago Witness, Issue 1651, 14 July 1883, Page 13

WANAKA. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

July 8. Suicide —During the fore part of the past we«k news, was brought to Pembroke by a resident of the Muk'arora Valley that a man named Charles Baker had been found shot dead in his hut not far from the sawmill' on the Wilkin River Trooper Cameron at once accompanied the messenger to the spot to view Ihe body and investigate the matter. The head of the Makarora Valley may be termed the limit of civilisation in this direction, but luckily Mr Stewart, tquatter and J.P., who acted as coroner, resided within a few miles of the tragic scene. A jury consisting of the usual number was empanelled, Mr Lightbourne, of Makarora Park Station, being chosen foreman. Alter viewing the position ot the body and tl c circumstances attending its discovery, the jury returned the following verdict :—'• That Charles Baker, bushman, shot himeelf dead with a singlebarrelled guv while in a state of temporary insanity." Baker, who was of German o>igin, was of a quiet and reserved disposition. In the early da\ sof ttie Colony !*■• is supposed that he made some money as a digger, but that this gradual y melted away. When a young 1 man he served his country faith'ullv, having fought thiough the whole of the Schleawivc-HolsMn War. He had worked on the Makarora for many years.