Tragic Case of Suicide.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XL, Issue 5574, 23 September 1908, Page 1

Tragic Case of Suicide.

DEATH OF MAJOR-GENERAL LUARD. THROWS HIMSELF UNDER A TRAIN. LONDON, Sept. 18. Major-General Luard was found dead on the railway line at West Tarleigli. After spending the night at Barhain Court as the guest of Colonel "Warde, M.P., he went out and threw himself under a passing train before breakfast. He left letters declaring that he wiis unable longer to bear the awful accusation tluvt he had killed his Wife. Several newspapers 'had hinted at this suspicion owing to the absence of any clue to the actual murderer. SCURRILOUS LETTERS. September 19. Major-General Luard was the recipiejit of many letters containing terrible insinuations. He wrote to Colonel Warde denouncing the traducers in heart-broken terms. His only surviving son lands at Southampton from South Africa to-day. Major-General Luard complained bitterly of the scandalous nature of the questions addi-essed to him at the inquest. He received dozens of anonymous letters directly accusing him of the murder. His friends advised him to treat them with contempt, but his last letter stated that he was sick of the scandalous lying 1 reports. He said: "I cannot face my son, and have "deckled to end my life." lie left several letters and telegrams addressed to 1 Colonel Warde, his housekeeper, and others, indicated that he intended to commit suicide, and directed that his body shonld be removed to Burham Court. The driver, on seeing him jump i» front of the train, vainly tried to stop it. Intense public sympathy is now evinced for Captain Luard. VERDICT OF SUICIDE. September 20. Colonel Warde went to Southampton, and broke the news to Captain Luard, who later on attended the inquest on his father's body. A verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned.