MURDER ATTEMPT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1935, Page 6

MURDER ATTEMPT

SHOTS FIRED AT CYCLIST. (Per Press 'Association, Copyright). AUCKLAND, July 9. What appears to have been a de-. liberate attempt at murder was reported to have been made last night on the read just off the waterfront road. William Palmer, aged 45, employed as gatekeeper by the Harbour Board was cycling to work about ten o’clock. He was on the road leading on to the waterfront road, and he noticed a motor car without lights drawn up at the side. He passed it and had not proceeded far when shots were fired at him.

According to Palmer, who has had military experience, the shots sounded like a “burst” from an automatic pistol. The bullets passed close by him, and he decided on the instant to cycle on to the brightly lit waterfront road, hoping to meet someone who could tell the police. He stopped a car and asked the driver to telephone the police, and then he himself cycled on to the police at the city station.

On receiving his report the police immediately despached a squad! ofl detectives and police, and they found two bullets in the door of the boatshod fronting the road at the spot where Palmer had reported the shots were fired.

It appears certain shots were fired by some one hiding in the trees ,at the foot of the cliff on the opposite side of the road from the boatshed. Polmer did not see his assailant as lie (Palmer) was cycling. The police to-day were busily investigating the circumstances. Palmer is commander of a squadron of tlic Legion of Frontiersmen.