Attempted Suicide in Beresfordstreet.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1671, 26 June 1875, Page 2

Attempted Suicide in Beresfordstreet.

A yotjxg man named John Hunter, of reGpectable appearance, about twenty-eight years of age, was brought up this morning before Mr Beckham, the Resident Magistrate, on a charge of attempting; to cut his throat with a razor. The facts of the case are few and simple. Hunter is a baker by trade, and has been lodging with his married sister, a Mrs Kennedy, in Beresford-street, for some time past. It is supposed that the young man's raah attempt at self-destruction, though resulting immediately from excessive drinking, originally proceeded from unrequitted love. During the present week he has been continually drinking, and on returning home last evening he appeared in a state of semi-madness, and raved in a strange, wild manner. His sister became alarmed, when he swore he would do it. He could endure the weight of life no longer ; his brain was on fire. He rushed to the inner room and grasped his razor, and drew it across his throat but not effectually > merely drawing blood slightly. He swung his arm back with, the intention, as was supposed, of making the fatal gash, when his sister, Mrs Kennedy, rushed forward, caught him by the arm, and prevented him from accomplishing his deadly purpose. Hunter stared and trembled, as the razor fell from his hands, exclaiming "You have saved me, sister." Mrs Kennedy, whose hand was cut and bleeding in rescuing her brother, uttered a scream which quickly brought Constable Mnlville, who was near at hand to the house. Seeing Hunter's perturbed state of mind, he deemed it prudent to secure him from further barm, and at once took him under his protection, and accompanied him to the police station. Hunter is somewhat more composed since his incarceration, but-does npt refer to his attempted suicide. His appetite seems to be remarkably good, and his sister has been most-attentive in ministering to his fancies in the lock-up. He now appears very quiet and resigned, and does not refer to the offence of which he is charged, and for which he will have to answer on Monday next.