Murderous Attack on Mr Kirkbride.

Manawatu Herald, 29 November 1892, Page 2

Murderous Attack on Mr Kirkbride.

What was apparently a deliberate attempt at murder occurred about 480 on Saturday morning, the victim being Mr J. L. Kirkbride, proprietor of the Evening Press, who was savagely attacked by a strange man while lying in bed. The instrument used was an ordinary carpenter's hammer, and with this the assailant struck Mr Kirkbride a heavy blow on the forehead above the eye, smashing the frontal bone. Curiously the blow did not stun him and he jumped from his bed and >u<»hed at his assailant following him outiide the house as far as the gate,

but when he had nearly caught him he swooned, and the man got clean away. Medical assistance was then obtained and the wound dressed. Mr Kirkbride, who is consoious, but very much excited says he does not think he would be able to identify the man as he had his face blackened. He appeared, however, to be a young man. It is believed the house was not entered for the sake of plunder, as a thorough, examination shows that nothing had been touched. The key of one of the doors was placed under. the mat for the servant to gain entrance in the morning, and the man must have been aware of this, as he got in by that door. The hammer was found on the verandah, Mr Kirkbride declared that the man aimed for his temple, but missed his mark. The detectives are investigating the affair.

Mr Kir'ibride's wound is severe, but not dangerous. The hammer is a Bmall one. The servant did not sleep on the premises, but came early in the morning, the key being left outside for her. The housekeeper gave the alarm to the police. Mr Kirkbride did not actually lose consciousness, but, when about to collar the man, became dazed, and says he felt himself compelled to stand there inert, the blood pouring down his face, while the fellow made his escape. The latter did not get away immediately, but stopped crouching under the fence till he saw that Mr Kirkbride was powerless, when he walkpd off.— Press Association.