ATTEMPTED MURDER AT WELLINGTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4285, 26 November 1892, Page 3

ATTEMPTED MURDER AT WELLINGTON.

A STRAME MM ATTACKS] miimmmiHHis BED. [By Tolegrapli.—Press Association.] Wellington, Saturday. What was apparently a deliberate attempt at murder, occurred about 4,80 this morning, the victim being Mr J. L, Kirkbride, proprietor of the Evening Press,, who was savagely attained by a strange man while lying 'in Lis bed. The instrument used was an ordinary carpenter's hammer, and f"h this the assailant struck Mr kbride a heavy bloiy on the forod juat above tho eye, smashing the frontal pone. Curiously the blow did not stun him, and ho jumped from bis bed and rushed at his assailant, following him outside the house as far as the gate, but when ho had nearly caught him he swooned, and i the man got clean away. Medical i assistance was then obtained aud the ] wound dressed. I

Mr Kirkbride, who is conscious, but very much excited, says he does not think he would be able to identify tbo man, as be had his face blackened, 'He appeared however to be a young man. It is believed the house was not entered for the sake of plunder m a thorough examination shows nothing has been touobed. Tbo key of one ofthedoorß was placed under a mat for the servant to gain entrance in the morning, and tho man must have been awaro of this, as he got in by that door, Tho hammer was found On the verandah, Mr Kirkbride declares tho man aimed for his temple, jgpninsed hid mark. Detectives are ffyestigating the affair, Later. Mr Kitkbride's wound is severe, but not dangerous. The hammer ia a scroll one. The servant did not sleep on tho premises, but came early in the morning, the key being left outside for her. The housekeeper gave the alarm to the police. Mr Kirkbride didnot actually lose consciousness, but when about to collar the man he becamedazedandsayshefelthimielf compelled to stand there inert with blood pouring down his face while the fellow made his escape. The latter did not attempt to get away immediately, but Btnppid crouching under the fence till he saw Kirkbride wa3 powerless, when he walked off,