CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 142, 10 November 1914, Page 5

CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER.

I BURNHAM BOY ACOUSEIX VICTIM IN A PRECARIOUS CONDITION. By Telegraph.— Per Press Association. Timaru, Last Night. A youth of 17, named Birch, alias Falnifr.who ahseonded from Burokam ou August 9, was to-day remanded on a cliarge of attempting to murder Jas. W Council, a single man, 23 years of ftgc, a dairy fanner at Clandeboye. Accused, an innocent-looking youth, had been mO Council's employ for about a fortnight. On Sunday morning, a neigh'■or called at O'Connell's and found him 'm a dazed condition, milking a cow but not knowing what he was doing.' He had a wound in his head, which he did not know how he had com* bv. In the house the neighbor found a p'illow and bed saturated with blood, and Birch niis*ing, together with litis employer's horse trap, overcoat, cheque-book, watch, and chain and loose cash. Information was sent to the police, and by description of the horse and trap, Birch was arrested in. Timaru within two hours. A doctor 'was fetched for O'Connell, who was sent to Timaru hospital, where an operation was necessary, the back of the skull being cut through as df from the blow of an axe. His condition is precarious, und hi* depositions wen- taken at 1 a m He is still in a crif hil stntc Accuscd, when before the court, ad .tv.Meil absconding from liurnimic 'llie Magistrate s:ud that in such a socions case counsel must be provided for accused.