DETERMINED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2531, 2 May 1881, Page 2

DETERMINED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

At twenty minutes past ten o’clock this morning as Mr Simmonds, caretaker at the Domain, was passing through that part of the Park known as the triangle, his attention was arrested by hearing loud groans proceeding from beneath some trees close at hand, and on walking up to them he found a man lying on his face at full length on the ground. Five or six feet away from him was an ordinary sheath knife, similar to those used by sailors. It was a blunt knife and the blade was covered with, blood, Mr Simmonds then noticed that the man’s dress was disarranged and that his shirt was saturated with blood. On further examination he discovered that he had stabbed himself in the abdomen, the wound being an inch and a-half in length, and bleeding freely. On being interrogated he said he merely wanted to die. He did not appear to be under the influence of drink. The caretaker immediately sent word of what had occurred to the Hospital, and two men were promptly sent down with a stretcher. The unfortunate man refused to be carried to the Hospital, however,and he walked up there without assistance. He was immediately attended by the resident surgeon and put to bed. Shortly after 11 o’clock Inspector Pender proceeded to the Hospital, and the man appeared to recognise him when he entered the room, addressing him by name. He was talking very incoherently at this time. He said his name was Michael Quirk, and that he had been working in the Waimate bush until Friday last when he came to Tiraaru. He said he had been drinking lately. Quirk is about five or six and thirty years of age and known to a good many in this district. He was brought up at this court in March 1877, and sent to the Sunnyside Asylum for treatment for lunacy from drink. He is not expected to live.