SHOT DEAD AT FLAT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 31, 5 February 1910, Page 15

SHOT DEAD AT FLAT.

FATHEB ACCIDENTALLY KILLS HIS

A sad etory of how a fatker accidentally shot "hie own son was told at an inquest at St. Johnston, County Donegal. The dead boy, John Hapeley, was tea years of age. John Hapsley,' the father, in his evidence, said that the boy had asked him to bring out a gun. Tie little lad had pointed out that It wae near Christmas time, and he evidently .saw the possibility of having some sport in the way of shooting. 'It was snowing at the time, but when the downfall ceased the father got the gun and the two went Into an adjoining field, where the boy fljeed up a target about two feet square. ■' ■'■• ■" '•' '■'

Young Hapsley then atood aside about ten yards distant'and the father took aim. A moment later he saw his son running out I from behind the target, crying "Oh daddy, daddy," The boy fell after running about ten yards, and died soon afterwards In the house. The bullet had passed through the target and entered the boy's heart.

It Iβ supposed that seeing the target move out of position througji the wind, the boy went back after fixing It unknown to hjs father, and so met Mβ death.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and expressed deep'sympathy with Mr Hapsley, who told his story with tears streaming down Ms face. .