ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 95, 29 July 1879, Page 2

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

♦ — Some excitement was caused in town on Saturday morning, upon it becoming known thai a man 'named. Henry Aslat had attempted to commit suicide at ' Bainesse \ by : cutting his throat. From what we can gather, the man had been drinking heavily for übout a fortnight past, aud on Saturday morning it was found he had cut his throat, the instrument used being a penknife. With this he had made no less than twelvecuts, the wounds extending from ear to ear. Fortunately, however, the incisions were not of a fatal character, as none of the arteries were severed, though several veins were cub. \A wound was also inflicted in the windpipe, but it was not severed. In fact, the unfortunate man had in his madness completely hacked his throat. Although there must have been a dreadful loss of blood, death did not supervene. This is probably owing to the man's heavy beard having "become matted with gore, and sticking to the flesh would stay the bleeding. Upon the rash acj becoming known to Mr Simpson, he at once despatched a messenger for Dr. ifoekktrow, who went out immediately, and bestowed every attention upon the unfortunate man, sewing up the wouuds, which was a work of great difficulty, and using all possible means to preserve his life. Aslat has been out in the Colony about four years. His relatives in England are persons of good position, and he has received a superior education. His profession is that of a draughtsman and for a considerable time, he was employed in theoffico of Mr Thos. Turnbull

architect, of "Wellington. About eighteen months ag) he came to Manawatu, but his unfortunate tendency to periodical bouts of drunk* euess has prevented him doing well for himself. He applied boijie time, since for the appointment oKjma^jy^ j of the Moutoa Scliool, but vra&^mtb^ successful. For some time past, he has been engaged as tutor to Mr Christopher /Simpson's- family at Bainesse, spending his spare time in outdoor work upon the farm. We understand there is no immediate likelihood of death, provided he is prevented from tearing away the bandages round his throat. He is to be removed as soon as possible' to Wanganui Gaol, and when sufficiently recovered will be brought--before the lI.M. Court, charged with the attempt to commit suicide.