MENTAL HOSPITAL TRAGEDY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10316, 27 January 1927, Page 5

MENTAL HOSPITAL TRAGEDY

PATIENT SLAYS COMPANION. SAVAGE ATTACK WITH SLASHER. AUCKLAND', Jan. 26. An inmate of Tokanui. mental hospital, near Te Awamutu, named Thomas Pulford, was savagely attacked with a slasher by another patient this morning with fatal results. A party of twenty-three patients was being served out with tools at 8.30 a.m. preparatory to doing some clearing work on the hospital farm, when an elderly male inmate, named John Bolden, suddenly flew at Pulford with a slasher, causing terrible wounds to his neck and shoulders. An attendant immediately intervened and was also attacked,' but, fortunately, received only a blow from the wooden handle. The assailant, who was of frail build, was then overpowered. The injured man „received medical attention and was rushed to the W aikato hospital at Hamilton, but died on the way. He is believed to have relations in Te Kuiti.

The assailant was regarded as being perfectly safe and had an exemplary record during the eighteen months lie had been at Tokanui. He was previously a patient at the Auckland mental hospital. Hoden became very quiet after lie bad committed the deed and all the explanation he offered was: “I was worried and felt annoyed.” An inquest will he held at the Waikato Hospital to-morrow morning.— P.A.