A MISSING FIREMAN.

Timaru Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 1657, 10 January 1895, Page 3

A MISSING FIREMAN.

w — SUPPOSE D SUICIDE. (By Telegraph.) LYTTELTON, January 9. John Reid, formerly of Timaru. who was employed as a fireman and greaser m the Lyttelton harbour board s cool stores, was missed last night. He went on duty at midnight quite sober, and was left m charge at 12.45 by the man going off duty. At 8 a.ia. the engineer, J. Burnip, came on duty, found the fires out and the engine stopped for want of steam. The lampg were still burning. The police were communicated with, also the wife of the missing man. It was ascertained that Reid has been very despondent of late owing to his -daughter having gone on a visit to Sydney with some friends, and while there contracted a serious illness which necessitated her being left at a Sydney hospital. This preyed on Reid's mind and when leaving home on Tuesday night lie threatened to drown himself. At 2 a.m. his wife visited him with some supper, and m reply to Reid's enquiries, said that she was unable to sleep after what he had said. She remained with him half an hour, when he told her to go home. Before leaving she begged him not to do anything rash and told him to remember the little ones he would leave behind if he did away with himself. That was the last seen of him. The engine house is a few yards from the wharf. The police are now dragging the harbour. Reid was one of the lifeboat crew at Timaru m the wrecks of the 14th May, 1882, and received a medal for distinguished bravery. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and family.