TRAGEDY AVERTED

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1928, Page 5

TRAGEDY AVERTED

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT

DANNEVIRKE, November 3

All the elements of a tragedy were present in a sensational happening here in the early hours oi the morning at a residence near the Domain occupied by Thomas Henry Lionel Hitcliings, a retired farmer, who is alleged to have attempted to commit suicide. Police Sergt. Martin received an urgent call about (> a.m. that Hitcliings had threatened to kill his children, his wife being absent at Waikano. When Sergt. Martin reached the house there was a strange silence and on opening the door at the hack of the house he got a surprise by finding himself covered by Hitcliings with a double-barrelled gun. He promptly closed with the man. dislodging the weapon from his grasp and subsequently it was found to contain two live cartridges.

Hitcliings, questioned about Ills intentions, safe! lie was going to shoot himself.

It is understood that lie left letters addressed to his wife and the Coroner. About 4 a.m. Hitcliings is said to have gone to the bedroom of his children, one fourteen and the other younger. He found them awake and told them to go to sleep. Later lie returned to the bedroom with the gun in his possession, but it was not then loaded.

The children became alarmed and the neighbours were roused and the police sent for.

Accused is reputed to have said that, “The sergeant was a lucky man. He saw him coming down the street and was waiting 'for him.” Accused was remanded till 19th November, on a charge of attempted suicide.