SHOOTING FATALITY

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 87, 9 October 1935, Page 20

SHOOTING FATALITY

A CANDIDATE'S DEATH

Details of the shooting accident by which the National Government candidate at the forthcoming: General1 Election, Mr. R. B. Russell, county manager of the Hokianga County, lost his life at his farm at Waima Hill, about six miles from Rawene, on' Monday, show that a rifle Mr. Russell wasl carrying was apparently accidentally discharged as he was climbing a fence. In recent weeks sheep on the property, had been worried by , dogs, and on Monday Mr. Russell paid a visit to the farm, taking with him a rifle to deal with them. , He left his car at the gate and proceeded to walk over the; property. Neighbours noticed that he had not returned to the car by nightfall, and they became anxious.

After a preliminary search proved unavailing they communicated at about 9.30 p.m. with the Hokianga Hospital Board, which was holding a meeting at Rawene. The meeting was immediately adjourned and members travelled to the scene. After a search Mr. Russellte body was found at a fence which he had apparently been in the act of climbing over when his rifle, was discharged and he was fatally wounded.

Mr. Russell was one of the most popular residents of/ the district. Born in Otago about 49 years ago, he went to Rawene 20 years ago and took up land. He was a member of the Hokianga County Council for 15 years, and for about half that period he was chairman. He was at the same time a member of the Hokianga Hospital Board and chairman for portion of the time. About eight years ago he resigned the chairmanship of the council to take the position of county manager. He was the county's representative on the No. 1 highway. district council of the Main Highways Board since its inception. He was held in the highest esteem throughout his district and his selection as National Government candidate for the forthcoming elections was very popular.

Mr. Russell is survived by his wife and two daughters.