OFFENCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6614, 29 January 1883, Page 3 (Supplement)

OFFENCES.

Gkoki;e Fisiier, a gumdigger, about thirty years of age, was received into the hospital on the -JOth January about eight p.m., sufferin* from a cut across the throat about three inches long, which he had himself inflicted on the previous day at -Mercury Kay. Fisher was found in the bush, about five miles from the township, in a state of tlclii-iuni t re. men*, aud with a gash across his throat. George Hodye, who found him in this state, immediately got assistance, and had the unfortunate man brought into Mercury Bay, where he was handed over to Constable Kelly. The wound was found not to be very dangerous ; a few stitches were put in it. and the neck was bandaged up. Fisher, however, in his ravings attempted to tear open the wound. To prevent this hishandswere bound securely behind Ilia back. Constable Kelly took him over to Coromandel, and brought him on to Auckland by the steamer on Saturday afternoon On examination at the hospital it was found that the wound was merely superficial, aud the windpipe was uninjured. Fisher, ou coming to his sober senses, said he was sorry for what he had done, aud that drink was the cause of his rash action, lie will be well enough in a few days to return to his work. Fisher's parente reside at the Thames. About 6.30 p.m. on Saturday, January Mr. .1. T. Smith, landlord of the Exchange Hotel." Queen-street, attempted his life under the following circumstances He had been in an excited condition during the afternoon, owing to some matters occurring which had given'him annoyance, and at the hour abovenamed he, while in one of the apartments of the hotel. locked the door of the room, and, taking out a pocket-knife, cut himself in the rijht side of the neck. One of the barmaids, Miss Margaret Day, who happened to be in the room at the time, at once laid hold of him an 1 screamed for assistance, the blood spurting on to her dress. Mr. Alfred Bucklaml. jun., hearing the screams, at once rushed up the corridor and attempted to burst in the door. Subsequently the door was opened, aud Mr. Buckland seized Mr. Smith bv the riuht hand, when the knife dropned" out of "it on to the floor. As S'leedily as possible Mr. Smith was got into bed at the hotel, and Dr. Hooper sent for. Serjeant Kelly was soon on the scene, and took possession of the knife, investigated the circumstances of the affair. Un Dr. Hooper's arrival he examined the man, and dressed the wound, which proved to be, fortunately, not of a dangerous

character.