ATTACKED WITH SLASHER

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3591, 27 January 1927, Page 3

ATTACKED WITH SLASHER

ASYLUM INMATE FATALLY IN- . JURIES FELLOW/PATIENT.

Auckland, Last Night

An inmate of the Tokanui Afen tal Hospital, near To Awamutu, named Thomas Pulford, was savagely attacked with a. slasher by another patient this morning with fatal results.

A party of 23 patients was being served out with tools,at 8.30 a.in. preparatory to doing sonic clearing work on the hospital farm, when an elderly male inmate named John Holden suddenly flew at Pulford with a slasher, causing l terrible wounds to the neck and shoulders.

• An attendant immediately intervened and was also attacked but fortunately only received a blow from a wooden handle. The assailant, who was of a frail build, was then overpowered. -The injured man received medical attention and was rushed to the Waikato 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 bad an exemplary record during 18 months he had been at Tokanui. .He was previously a patient- at the Auckland Mental Hospital. Holden became very quid alter lie bad committed the deed and nil tlm expin nation he offered was “I was woxried and felt annoyed.” An inquest will be held at the Waikato Hospital to-morrow morning.