Attempted Suicide.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4048, 19 December 1881, Page 2

Attempted Suicide.

Great excitement was felt in .Owen

street yesterday afternoon, when it was currently rumoured that abushman named McGavin had endeavoured to terminate bis earthly career by means of poison. From the facts wo hare been enabled to become acquainted with, it would seem that the perpetrator of this rash and wicked act had been crossed in lore. Some time ago he became acquainted with a yotrcg woman named Birdwoqd, and soon after made her an offer of marriage. Working at Bagnall's mill, it was only on rare occasions that he could see his intended bride. Previous to returning to the mills a few weeks ago, he presented the object of his affections with a ring in token of his regard and love, and on his return to Grahamstown on Saturday proceeded to interview the young woman. The result was unsatisfactory,, and the girl's rejection of the unfortunate man caused a determination on his part to destroy his own life and the girl's also. Happily, as events have proved, neither misfortune has occurred. Yesterday afternoon the unhappy man purchased a bottle of strychnine and retired with it to the rear of Mrs Richards' boarding bouse, Grahamstown Hotel, where he was staying. A gentleman observed him drinking from the bottle, and afterwards saw him fall insensible upon the floor. On examination he was found to be in great agony. Haste was made to obtain medical assistance and the unhappy man was conveyed ill a cab to the hospital where the stomach pump was brought into requisition, and after a short time the poison expelled. By taking a large overdose he saved the life he had such a fell intent to destroy, and up to the latest seems iv a fair way of recovery—being out of danger. Previous

to taking the poison he made a will which he sent to his father at Wanganui, and also a letter to the Sergeant of Police, Grahamstown, in which he stated his full purpose and the causes that actuated him in committing the crime. As soon as he gains convalescence he will be brought up at the Court House on a charge of attempted suicide.