Solicitor's Suicide

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 289, 9 May 1914, Page 15

Solicitor's Suicide

SHOT IN HIS OFFICE. A WELL-KNOWN PRACTITIONER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. Shortly after 11 o'clock to-day, Mr J. F. M. Fraser, K.C., had occasion to speak to bis partner, Mr J. F. Woodhouse, and, entering Mr Woodhouse's room for that purpose, was appalled to find that Mr Woodhouse had shot himself. This must ihave happened almost immediately before Mr Eraser's entry, but no shot was heard. There was a wound in the middle of the forehead. He was sitting in his chair, and leaning over the desk. A six-chambered revolver, with one chamber discharged, lay at bis feet.

Mr Woodhouse was still alive, but obviously in a serious condition. Dr Evans was summoned hastily, and Mr Woodhouse was removed by the ambulance to a private hospital where he expired at 10 minutes to 2. This morning he was in his usual spirits. Shortly before the shot must have been fired be was in Mr Fraser's room, consulting with his chief at some length on current matters, and specially devoting his attention to a business concern that called for some thinking out. There was nothing in his demeanor or speech to give the slightest indication that he contemplated l taking the step he did. The deceased gentleman served I his legal apprenticeship in Auckland, where be was brought up, but he made his name professionally in Dunedin. For many years he was in partnership with Mr A. Bathgate, and upon Mr Bathgate's retirement he joined Messrs Fraser and Macassy. Mr Woodhouse was accepted as an authority on company trust law, and his opinion as counsel was highly valued throughout the Dominion. As an after-dinner speaker he had few equals in New Zealand. The deceased gentleman's family consisted of Mrs Woodhouse, a- sister of Mr A. Bathgate, bis late partner, one son (Dr Woodhouse), who is on his way to England, and two unmarried daughters.