LABOUR LEADER'S DEATH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10631, 29 November 1912, Page 3

LABOUR LEADER'S DEATH.

V 4 SUICIDE OF MR A. PATERSON. ASPHYXIATED IN OFFICE. FOUND DEAD BY POSTMAN. Yi'lieE Walter M'Phail, postman, was goiyi£ his rounds in Gloucester Street at 8.30 this morning, he went, as usual, to deliver the mail at tho office of Mr Arthur Paterson, secretary of the Canterbury General Labourers' Union, in the Trades Hall. On opening the office door he was amazed to find Mr Pat-er-Ron, stripped of all his clothing, lying on the lloor with his faco close to a gas ring- Tho room was full of gas, and it was found that the tap was turned full on. M'Phail. turned off the gas, and examined Paterson, who, it was evident, was quite dead. Information of tho occurrence was then given to the police, who had the body taken to the Morgue. Aii inspection of the room showed that Mr Paterson had left the following note: —. " Bury me naked in a cheap coffin. No expense. No wreaths. Wilding will arrange all matters. Life policy in Government Insurance Office. Books all right." Mr Paterson was well known in Labour circles in Christchurch. He was secretary of the Canterbury General Labourers' Union for about six years, and was very popular with members of the Union. He also thole an active part in Labour matters generally. He was a prominent man in the movement to establish the Federation of Labour, for which ho worked very hard, giving up much time to the Federation's affairs. On several occasions ho conducted the general labourers' cases before tho Arbitration Court in Christchurch, showing considerable shrewdness in arguing the points submitted to tho Court for consideration. During tho past few years he had been in very bad health, completely breaking down on several occasions. Lately he seemed to be somewhat depressed and despondent. It is thought that his illnesses affected his mind. Ho was about sixty years of ago, and leaves a wifo and several children, all grown up. Mr H. W. Bishop, District Coroner, who is at Leeston, wa,s informed of the occurrence to-day, and will fix a time for an inquest to bo hold. Mr Paterson was a native of Glasgow. He arrived in New Zealand over forty years ago, going first to the North Island, where he joined the Mounted Constabulary at tho time of the Maori disturbances in tho Waikato district. Later on he camo to the South Island with his people. For some years he lived in Ashburton, whero he worked as a general labourer. He joined the Salvation Army there, and, at ono time, was captain of the local corps. Soon after he came to reside in Christchurch. About ton years ago he began to, take an active interest in politics, always strongly on the side of Labour. He was one of the first members of the Political Labour League, which represented the first effort of organised Labour tb return members of Parliament ly in the interests of Labour. In 1908 tho League nominated Mr J. Thorn for Sydenham and Mr D. G. Sullivan for Avon, and Mr Paterson was secretary ot Mr Sullivan's committee. A short, time ago Mr Paterson applied to tho Executive of his Union for a fortnight's holiday, and arrangements had been made that he should obtain it at Christmas. Mr J. Flood, president of the Union, stated to-day that there was no suspicion whatever that Mr Paterson's books were not in perfect order. As a matter of fact, as far as keeping hooks was concerned, Mr Paterson was the most careful and conscientious secretary in the Trades Hall, every detail being always dealt with with the closest attention. Tho books of the different Unions were audited by members, and those who audited Mr Paterson's books'said that they never had the slightest trouble in their work. Mr Paterson was last seen between 8.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. vest«rday ; when he was at the Band Rotunda, in Victoria Square. It is thought that lie went to his office late at night and there turned on the gas, after taking off his clothes. The gas jet in tho passage of the building leading towards his room was also turned on this morning. It is thought that the jet was left in that condition in order to give an impression to anyone "who found gas escaping that it camo from that jet and not from Sir Paterson's It is probable that the officers of the Union will arrange for the funeral to be held on Sunday.