SHOT IN BACK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 84, 10 April 1933, Page 3

SHOT IN BACK.

WAIKATO FATALITY.

WOMAN SLIPS WITH GUN.

BROTHER-IN-I.AW FAIXS DEAD

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) MORRINSVILLE, this day. A shooting fatality resulting in the death of Mr. John Morley Fitness, of Matamata, occurred near Mathieson's bush, Buckland Road, about 1 p.m. yesterday. Mr. Fitness was one of a shooting party of four, the others being his wife, his sister-in-law (Miss Zeita Groves) and Mr. B. Albert, all of Mafcamata. The party was returning through a rough swamp. Mr. Fitness was carrying a .303 rifle and his wife had a shot gun. Mrs. Fitness had just handed the gun to Miss Groves and turned to speak to her husband when Miss Groves slipped and fell, the mishap causing the gun to. discharge and the shot to enter Mr. Fitness' back. Death was instantaneous. The late Mr. Fitness was very well known in Matamata and surrounding districts as agent for the Farmers' Auctioneering Company for 13 years, having been with the firm about 20 years. He was 38 years of age and was born at Pokeno, being a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Fitness. He leaves a widow, but no children. Two brothers are Mr. W. Fitness, of Matahura, and Mr. J. Fitness, of Patetonga. Mrs. Hill, of Patetonga, is a sister. J