Shooting Affair at Auckland.

Evening Post, Volume XXVI, Issue 149, 22 December 1883, Page 2

Shooting Affair at Auckland.

«- CRITICAL CONDITION OP THE INJURED MAN. [By Telegraph.] i united peess association. | Auckland, 21st December. William Henry Joneß, manager of the Onehunga Tronsand Works, fired at and wounded John M'Dermott, the revolver ballet passing into the body at the middle of the back and coming out at the armpit. Jones, who is an American, was arrested by Detective Walker. It appears that Jones and M'Dermott had had a qnarrel over cards in a publichouse. Jone3 fired two shots, the second one taking effect in the leg. It is not known yet whether the shot in the back is likely to bo fatal or not. After the quarrel, Jones went home and got a revolver, firing at M'Dermott as he rode past on horseback. This Daa. M'Dermott is to-day in a very critical condition. Dr. Scott, who attended the patient immediately after the shooting, says there are two wounds. One is not serious. The bullet passed through the left thigh from side to side through the flesh, but did not touch the bone, and the bullet did not reman lodged. The other bullet entered near the centre of the back, a little to the left sido of the backbane, and came oat under the left armpit. It appears to hare enterel the cavity of the chost, and does not appear to have injured the lung. The symptoms are such as to make the case serious, and the doctor is doubtful as to the recovery of the patient. William Henry Jones, the prisoner now in custody, has been in the colony from 12 to 18 months. He was engaged in America to take the management of the smelting works to convert the ironsand of the West Coast into iron by the company formed for that purpose. He is a man of about 40 years of age, medium height and build, an Englishman by birth, native of one of the Midland counties, bnt has spent the greater portion of the prime of his life in the United States. Since his arrival in New Zealand he has married the daughter of Mr. Blakey, J.F., ex-Mayor of Onehunga. He was generally liked, although occasionally of quick temper, and it is thought must have been grossly insulted and provoked. M'Dermott is a young

man, 30 years of age, a native of Onehunga, and son of a pensioner. He is a labourer, and resides with his parents on tho outskirts of Onehunga. He seems to have had the be3t of the first quarrel with Jones.