A SHOCKING AFFAIR

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1921, Page 1

A SHOCKING AFFAIR

MAN WITH A RAZOR

A CHRISTCH URCH SENSATION

( [IJY TELEGKAI’II —I'KK I’iIESS ASSOCIATION - ]

CHRISTCHURCH Jan 25

With a razor slash extending from his right car to the throat, a carrier named Raymond Brownley R a ploy lies in the Christchurch Hospital to-day as the result of a murderous assault. It is said to have been committed by a man named Richard Hitchens. The affray oeeiirwl at about six o’clock List night, at the corner of Harmon and Cotterill Streets, Addington. The police are now hunting for Hitchens. against whom a charge ol attempt ed murder is pending. Raplev was said this morning -to have “a sporting chance'’ of recovery.

■‘] saw two fellows and a woman on the corner of Harmon and Cotterill Streets,” said Mr E. Parlano, an Addington carrier, in describing the affair to-day. ‘‘One man lashed out at the other and they came to grips and fell down on the footpath, with their'heads in the water channel. I was going over to separate them when one mail jumped up with his throat gashed, the other iellow standing and brandishing a razor. The woman ran about screaming and the man with the cut throat hung on to her. i left some bystanders to look after him while I went to ring up the police. It all ■ happened in a minute. There were several people about at the time. From what I can make out the man who cut the other’s throat had been waiting there for some time.’

Alter tlu> assault Raplev was taken to the hospital. This alternoon it was reported that his wound would he stitch ed up and that his condition was satisfactory.

Hitchens got away quickly after the affray. It is thought he succeeded in getting to Lyttelton and catching the jerry steamer for Wellington that, night. He is about oft lin in height and 2D years of age. lie is clean-shav-en and has a dark, sallow complexion. He is described as being of “a good, strong build.” He was wearing a dark tweed suit and a fawn hat.