Kate’s notes: To be honest, the report of this man’s death seems very suspicious but lacking evidence, along with the fact that his body was buried at sea, we can only go by the ship’s reports that Joseph Gillland’s death was indeed a suicide. Nothing more is known about this man.

From The Evening Post (also known as the Dominion Post)
Wellington, New Zealand
10 August 1910

SUICIDE ON THE IONIC
_____________

    A tragedy occurred in the forecastle of the mail steamer Ionic on 21st July, while the vessel was on the way to Hobart. The firemen were assembled in the forecastle after having come off watch shortly after 8 o’clock in the evening, when a bunk occupied by a greaser named Joseph Gilliland was seen to be occupied. No notice was taken of a noise that was heard, but a little later it was found that Gilliland had cut his throat and life was practically extinct.
   The deceased was buried at sea shortly afterwards. He resided at Canning Town, East London, and had been married only some nine months before his death.
   No cause for taking his life was known by those associated with him on board.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2010