TERRIBLE DESTITUTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2242, 20 November 1886, Page 3

TERRIBLE DESTITUTION.

A respectable looking man, named Geo. Wilkins described as a labourer, w?s charged at Colchester, on Monday, with having attempted to murder his wife and six children, and also with having attempted suicide, early that morning. The evidence showed that but for the most heroic con duct on the part of his wife, the man would probably have accomplished his purpose by cutting their throats with a razor. On going towards the witness-box, Mrs Wilkins, who was evidently suffering from the effects of privation, exclaimed, in agonising tones, •'Gentlemen, I have a dying baby in ray arms, and for days we have had nothing but a piece of bread to eat." The infant \ she was carrying was in a very emaciated I condition. Mrs Wilkins stated that the accused was a good husband and parent, but that for a long time he had been unable to obtain work, and at last had thoroughly broken down. Their rent was due that day, but he was unable to pay it or even to get any more bread. The magistrates subscribed amongst themselves on behalf of the woman and children, and remanded the accused. The man was again brought up on Thursday, when it Svas stated that since Monday the mayor had received anonymously many sums from people in different parts of the country for the prisoner and his family, and two kind friends had offered to pay their passage to America and find them work there. The mayor also said he would interest himself on their behalf, and Wilkins was discharged and told that if he applied to the police-station he would not be left to starve.