A MURDEROUS ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 283, 22 April 1913, Page 5

A MURDEROUS ATTACK.

FURTHER DETAILS. Per Press Association. Christchurch, Monday. John Hitchcock, a single man, was brought to the hospital yesterday from Akaroa with a severe gash in his throat. His condition is a very dangerous one. It was reported to be a case of attempted suicide. Further enquiries revealed this sensational story:—Hitchcock had been staying with his sister at Akaroa. .It was reported that they went for a walk. They had arrived at Graham Valley, when Hitchcock suddenly drew a razor and attacked his sister, who protected herself with her hands, sustaining several severe gashes. Hitchcock then attempted to throw her on the ground, but she eventually got free and sought assistance from a neighbor, and the police were summoned. Hitchcock was found lying on the ground unconscious, with a gash in his throat. He was brought to Christchurch in a motor-car. ft is understood that Hitchcock has been suffering from insomnia.

Hitchcock is a cabinetmaker by trade, and has been suffering from fits of (\cpression. He went to Akaroa for mental rest. Miss Hitchcock is suffering from shock, but her wounds are not serious. Her brother attacked Iter first with a stone in a handkerchief, and then drew his razor.

HITCHCOCK'S STORY,

Christehnrch, Last Night,

John Hitchcock, who made a murderous attack on his sister at Graham Valley, Akaroa, yesteruay, and there attempted to commit suicide, is now conscious and progressing favorably, in police custody. Considering the injuries he sustained, lie dues not look bad. Hitchcock shows no disinclination to answer questions put to him concerning the assault, and was able to give a coherent report of the circumstances as they happened. When asked what impelled him to commit the assault, he stated that he had been worried in his business for some time, and that he had been unable to sleep. He set out for a walk with his sister, with no intention of attacking her. It came to him suddenly, and without anv premeditation he committed the assault.

Upon his recovery Hitchcock will be proceeded against by the police for his action. Hitchcock is a cabinetmaker bv trade, and comes from Dimedin. He had 'seen mentally depressed before he came to Akaroa to spend a holiday in the iiope that he would recover his normal condition.