THE AKAROA TRAGEDY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 22 April 1913, Page 3

THE AKAROA TRAGEDY.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. (Jsu T W paraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHUIU H, Last Night/ John Hitchcock, a'single man, aged 41 years, was brought to the Hospital yesterday t'i'oin Akaroa w.ith a ,;i>vero gash in his throat. His condition is very dangerous. It was reported to ho a. case of attempted .suicide. Further inquiries revealed a. sensational .story. Hitehcovk had been staying with hi.- sister at Akaroa. It is reported that they went tW a walk at Graham Valley, when Hitchcock suddenly drew a razor and attacked his .sister, who protected herself with her Hands, sustaining several gashes. Hitchcock then attempted to throw her on the ground, .but *,He eventually got free. She sought the assistance of a neighbour, and the police \\vn\ summoned. H.itdieoc«k was found lying on the ground unconscious, with a gash in His throat. He was brought to Ohristchurch in a motor car. It is understood that Hitchcock .had been suffering from insomnia. Hitchcock, who is a cabinetmaker by trade, has been suffering from fits of depression. He went to Akaroa for .mental rest. iMiss Hitchcock is suffering from shock, but dier wounds are not serious. Her brother first attacked her ■with a stone in his Handkerchief, and then draw, the razor.