WORST N.Z. TRAGEDY

Grey River Argus, 9 October 1941, Page 5

WORST N.Z. TRAGEDY

Commissioner’s Statement CHRISTCHURCH, October 8. The Commissioner, of Police, Mr D. J. Cummings, arrived here by the steamer express this evening. He mp.de the following statement: “Mr Ridley, Agricultural Officer, from Greymouth, visited Graham’s farm in the morning, owing, it is believed, to some trouble having arisen there between Graham and some neighbours. What took place between the Agricultural Officer and Graham, we do not know but it appears that the Inspector rang Constable Best, of Kanieri, who went to the farm. Constable Best, subsequently, rang Sergeant Cooper, at Hokitika, and, as a result of their conversation, the Sergeant and Constables Tulloch and Jordan left for Graham’s farm about 1.30 p.m. About 3.30 p.m., the Hokitika police received a message that some of our men were injured. Inspector D. L. Calwell, of Greymouth; Detective Sergeant H. E. Knight and Detective Sergeant C. H. Davis, ot Greymouth, and some constables, left for the scene. I was informed ar £.30 this evening that Sergeant Cooper, who was in charge of the Hokitika district, and Constables Jordan and Tulloch, were dead; that Constable Best, of Kanieri, was shot in the stomach, and was in the Hokitika Hospital, and that Mr Ridley, Agricultural Inspector, was also shot, and was in the hospital. Graham could not be found, but he is believed to be hiding in the bush, which is now under observation. Seme of the local Heme Guardsmen are assisting tire police. Nothing much can be done until daylight, as it is believed that he has two rifles with him Inspector Calwell is organising a posse of men to assist in the surrounding bush. Reinforcements from Christchurch will leave by the early morning railcar. It is the worst tragedy that I know of in my experience, and my very depest sympathy goes out to the relatives of the men who lost their lives in the execution of their duty, and also to those who have been injured.” ____________