MAN SHOT.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20647, 9 September 1932, Page 19

MAN SHOT.

ALLEGED ASSAILANT IN CUSTODY. ■ EARLY MORNING AFFRAY AT ROSS. (PUESS ASSOCIATION TELEGBAIi.) HOKITIKA, September 8. A shooting affray occurred at Ross at 1 o'clock this morning. It followed a difference between George Muir and Athol T. B. Potter and C. K. Highet, who had all been at an hotel. It is understood that Potter has been prospecting south of Koss, and had only the night before come to town. The three were proceeding home when they began an altercation and Muir eventually left the others, who went to their home- in Woolhouse street. About 1 o'clock Muir turned up with a gun uud .:;uicd t'o'ier out. As soon as he came out Muir fiiod at him, the bullet entering above the left groin and lodging in- the abdomen. Highet immediately moved Potter into the house, shut the door, and extinguished, the light. Muir then called to both to come our, saying he would shoot them. They, however, remained quiet within until Muir departed towards his home, when Highet left by the back door and proceeded to the police station, where he informed Constable J. Crowley of the occurrence. Muir was arrested. Potter was given first-aid and conveyed to the Westland Hospital in a very serious condition. An operation was performed without, however, locating the bullet, but to-night Potter was reported to be in a more satisfactory condition, and hopes are entertained of his recovery. Muir was also brought to Hokitika, and remains in custody. The residents are greatly perturbed over the affray. Muir, who" is about 50 years of age, is of a somewhat excitable disposition, and lives alone. Potter arrived in the district a few months ago, and engaged in prospecting under the unemployment scheme. The nature of the difference between the men has not yet been ascertained, but it is stated that Muir repeatedly called to the other men to "come out like men," indicating that he was in a most excited mental condition. No adequate motive has been suggested for his action.