Grave Assault Upon Woman

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 217, 14 September 1936, Page 6

Grave Assault Upon Woman

lan Forces His Way Into College House

VICTIM BADLY INJURED Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The police are looking for a inau who forced his way into Elgin House at fc>t. Cuthbert’s College, Epsom, early on Saturday cveuing, struggled violently with the matron, Miss Alary Price, and attempted to commit a gravo assault upon her as a result of which she had to be taken to the Abater Aliseericordiae Hospital. She was badly bruised and cut about tho face and stitches had to be inserted in her mouth and forehead.

A number of constables and detectives conducted a man hunt until 2 o'clock this morning and right through to-day tho search was continued. Tlie story told by Aliss Price to tho police is that after visiting another part of the college she returned to Elgin House and went upstairs to her quarters at about 7 o’clock to prepare for bed. she was about to get undressed when she heard a knock at the trout, door downstairs. She left her room and when she reached tho lower floor she switched on tho outside light, but the hall was in darkness. When she opened the door she saw a man standing close to it nnd apparently he was only party clothed. Aliss Prieo said she sensed from the man s attitude that ihero was something wrong and she attempted to close the door, but he thrust a foot forward and forced his way into tho hall. Once there he hit her in the face and savagely attacked her. They struggled there for some minutes until at length Aliss Price managed to free .herself and climb the stairs. Her assailant followed and again attempted to assault her, striking her repeatedly about the face and bodv.

Ho suddenly desisted and hurriedly made his escape downstairs and out throughout the open doorway. Aliss Price communicated with someone in another part of tho college. Dr. Horrie was summoned and ordered her into hospital.

Constables from Newmarket searched the locality in which the college is situated and detectives from the Central .Station began their investigations. No arrest has so far been made.

Miss Price was recently appointed to the position of matron at St. Cuthbert's College and she went into residence on Friday night.