DEATH OF RIGNEY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 April 1925, Page 5

DEATH OF RIGNEY.

POVERTY BAY MYSTERY

GISBORNE; April 2. An inquest was held to-day concerning the death of Alfred Thomas Rigney, whose body was found at Ormond on March 20.

l)r. Gunn gave evidence that death was due to laceration of the brain*, but witness could not say definitely from what direction, the shot was fired. One witness gave evidence that he and Rigney had a dispute in the street on the jirevious Saturday, as a result of which Rigney was to have been proceeded against for a breach of . the' peace. Subsequently the disagreement was settled and they parted good friends. ,

Inspector Hutton gave evidence as to finding the body. Witness, opneluded from the- position that the gun had been exploded with the muzzle in Rigney’s mouth. One witness, who helped to find Rigney’s body, was of the opinion' that Rigney did not notice- that the gun was Loaded, arid on going to the store for cartridges dropped the stock on the floor and exploded the cartridge. Another farmer said he knew the gun well. It went Off with the slightest touch. On one occasion it went off accidentally with witness. Counsel for the relatives asked for an adjournment to ealbthe widow, who would give evidence that deceased was in a good financial position. The. inquest was adjourned sine die.