ROXBURGH "ASSAULT" CASE

Dominion, 14 March 1919, Page 5

ROXBURGH "ASSAULT" CASE

A' STRANGE EXPLANATION. By Teleirraph—Press Association. Dunedin, March 13. After exhaustive inquiries detectives have cleared up the mystery surrounding the supposed caso in which John MOarfr* nev a Prohibition lecturer visiting Otago . Central, alleged he was set upon #t Kosburgh on Saturday night, and- stabbed. M'Cartney now admits that lie must have had a fit, and was under t'ho delusion that he had been attacked. On reaching Roxburgh the detectives 6aw M'Cartney and examined one of the wounds, which appeared to ho a genuine stab. Full inquiries were made in the district, Which was in a stato of indignjvton and alarm, and liest morning the police decided to have another look at the wounds. They then came -to the conclusion that there was no foundation for the man's stwy. To them they did not appear to be punctured, wounds, but selfinflicted injuries.. The wounds,_ which were only skin deep, wore examined by Dr. Evans yesterday. The dootor was of the same opinion as the detectives, who at once informed M'Cartney the result of the medical examination. He then made a statement to the effect that lie had 1 been suffering from mental strain, that he had been subject to fits for some rears, that the recent stabbing affray at Roxburgh preyed on liis mind, that having to make addresses when not accustomed to public speaking upset him, and that he had had a heavy day studying and preparing matter for lihe ->d.drew. He was on lus way to Mr. Michslle's residence when lie must have bw-n seized with a fit, for he found himself lying on the void in a,n exhausted condition. At that time ho did liH' kn"w there were any wounds on him. He Ind no recollection of inflicting them on himself. He had' a pair of seissors and nail clippers in his possession.