ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 823, 23 February 1903, Page 2

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

PRISONER THRICE TRIES TO KILL HIMSELF.

A man named William David Wobstor, a butcher employed at ono of tho local freezing works, who was arrested on Saturday evening for drunkenness, thrice attempted to take his life whilst in the lockup yestorday morning. It appears that Webster was arrested by Sergeant Siddells and Constable Doyle at nine o’clock on Saturday evening, and whon taken in charge was behaving like a lunatic. He was watched b.y Constable Crawford throughout tho night, and appeared to be a little bettor in the morning. He was lot out of tho cell for breakfast, and before being put back in the lockup was given a eup of hot cofloe. About half an hour later tho polico officers heard cries coming from the cell whero Webster was confined, and upon opening the door Constable Keenan was horrified at discovering that the unfortunate man had been making a dosperate attempt to cut Ins throat. Ho had broken the handle off the enamel paunikin, and with that rough instrument had inflicted injuries on his neck and arms. Webster was suffering from delirium tremens, and it was with some difficulty that ho was overcome. He behaved most violently towards Sergeant Siddellß, and had it not been for assistance being at hand, the Sergeant ou one occasion would have been severely injured. Upon being got under control, Webster was bound down, and medical assistance was sent for, Dr Fisher being quickly in attendance. It was discovered after the doctor’s arrival that Webster had also made a number of nasty gashes on his arms with the brass buckle off his waistcoat. Everything possible was done for the unfortunate man, and a strict watch was kept upon him by tho police. At 10 o’clock, however, ho had another bad turn, and ho again attempted to do himsolf serious injury. He kept jumping on to the form, which was a fixture in the cell, and diving on to the floor, stating that ho intended to dash his brains out. Upon being interrupted in his mad course Webster exclaimed, “ For God’s sake let mo have another dive and get away from them, for they are after mo. Just let me have one more go.” Detectivo Nixon secured the prisoner and made a sort of impromptu straight jacket out of a sack. By this means Webster was controlled. He fought and resisted the police like a tiger time after time, calling out “Just give me a knife and I will show you how I stick the sheep. I only want a knife, and then you will see how it is done.” So badly had Webster knocked himself about that the police cell was besmeared with blood, and his one desiro was to do away with himself. The police did all in their power to prevent Webster doing himself further injury, and throughout yesterday afternoon and evening a watch was kept over the unfortunate man. He was much better last evening.