THE WORK OF A LUNATIC.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 88, 21 April 1913, Page 7

THE WORK OF A LUNATIC.

A MURDEROUS ATTACK. [Per Press Association.! Christchurch, April 20. A serious attack upon woman by her brother is reported to have occurred'at Akaroa to-day, but the details of the affair are at present very meagre. The facts as alleged, and communicated to the Christchurch police authorities, are that a man named Hitchcock, who is understood to be a resident of Dunedin, and who lias been in Akaroa for the benefit of his health, had a quarrel with his sister to-day, or something took place between them and caused him to become so violently angry that 1 it is understood he attempted to seriously injure his sister with a knife, and then attempted to take his own life by cutting his throat. The nature of the injuries inflicted on the woman are not known. Hitchcock, in charge of a constable, was taken to the Christchurch Hospital per motorcar.

LATER DETAILS. Christchurch, April 22. John Hitchccpk, single, 41, was brought into hospital yesterday from Akaroa with a severe gash in the throat. His condition is very dangerous. It was reported that it was a case of attempted suicide. Further enquiries revealed a sensational story. Hitchcock had been staying with his sister at Akaroa, and it is reported that they went for a walk at Graham Valley, when Hitchcock suddenly drew a razor and attacked his sister, who protected herself with her hands, sustaining severe gashes. Hitchcock then attempted to throw her on the ground, but she eventually gob free and sought assistance from a neighbour. The police were summoned, and Hitchcock was found lying on the ground unconscious with a gash in his throat, and brought to Christchurch in a motor car. It is understood that Hitchcock had been suffering from insomnia.