SAVAGE ATTACK

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 27 January 1927, Page 5

SAVAGE ATTACK

ON MENTAL PATIENT.

TRAGEDY AT ASYLUM INJURED MAN DIES. (UV TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 26. An inmate of the Tokanui Mental Hospital, near Te Awamutu, named Thomas Pulford, was savagely attacked with a slasher by another patient this morning with fatal results. A party of 23 patients was being served out with tools at 8.30 a.m. preparatory to doing some clearing work on the hospital farm, when an elderly male inmate named John Holden suddenly flew at Pulford with a slasher, causing terrible wounds to the neck and shoulders. An attendant immediately intervened and*was also attacked, but fortunately only received a blow from the wooden handle. The .assailant, who was of frail -build, was then overpowered. The injured man received medical attention and was , rushed to the Waikato Hospital at Hamilton, but died on the way. He is believed to have relations in Te Ruiti. The assailant was regarded as being perfectly safe, and had an exemplary record during the 18 months he had been at Tokanui. He was previously a patient at the Auckland Mental Hospital. Holden became very quiet after he had committed the deed, and all the the explanation he offered was: “I was worried and felt annoyed.”

An inquest will be held at the Waikato Hospital to-mo Trow morning.