SHOT HIS FRIEND

Evening Star, Issue 20987, 29 December 1931, Page 6

SHOT HIS FRIEND

NIGHT TRAGEDY IN BANK A TERRIBLE MISTAKE [Per United Press Association.] EEILDING, December 29. Bruce M'Corkindale (aged twentytwo), an officer of the Bank of New Zealand here, lost his life last night in tragic circumstances, being shot by J. L. Burton, a fellow officer of the bank, Burton usually slept on the premises, but had been away for several days, M'Corkindale taking his place. Burton was due back last night, and M'Corkindale went to the bank premises to make sure that Burton had returned. He could get no response to his knocking, and then tried to enter the hank by the rear window of the sleeping room. Burton was awakened by the opening of the window, and fired twice. Constable Johnston, on duty near, rushed to the bank, where the tragic mistake was discovered. M'Corkindale died within a few minutes. Burton explained that he had heard no noise until roused by the window being opened. He thought it was a burglar and fired twice. The poignancy of the tragedy is deepened by the fact that Burton and M'Corkindale were close friends. Burton stated that he reached the bank at 10 p.m., and retired to his sleeping room. He did not hear any telephone or other call. Later, he was awakened by hearing a person endeavouring to enter through the window. He could just distinguish the outline of a man. He grabbed his revolver and fired without taking aim. He did not know ho had hit the man. He then looked out of the window, expecting to see the man escaping. He saw a policeman coming into the alleyway, who told him that he had shot Bruce M'Corkindale. It was found that M'Corkindale had been shot in the left eye, and he died within a few minutes. Constable Johnston states that he left M'Corkindale at the hack of the alleyway, the latter saying that he knew how to get into the bedroom through the window. The next thing he heard was two shots ring out. He rushed back and found M'Corkindale dying. Sergeant Cahill took charge of the investigation, and informed the parents. The victim was a most promising golfer. This season he was promoted from junior to senior rank in the local golf club, and played in the final for the senior championship. His father has been a member of the Borough Council for a number of years. His mother was prominent in social work, and was dominion secretary of the .Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. THE INQUEST. This morning the inquest was opened before Mr E. Goodbehero (coroner). Evidence was given by the father, who last saw his son alive at 9.45 p.m., when he left for the bank to make sure that Burton had returned, or to take his place, sleeping on the premises. At midnight the police informed him of the tragedy. The inquest was adjourned sine die.