ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 2066, 13 January 1925, Page 5

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

ACCIDENTALLY SHOT. (Press Association.) Christchurch, Monday. Through the accidental discharge of a rifle, a bullet entered the head of Frederick William Walton, basketmaker, on Saturday evening, and he is now in a critical condition in the Christchurch Hospital. The accident occurred at 7.45 p.m., when a car containing Walton (who was driving), his son Frederick William Walton, Gordon Kett, and Selby Preddy, was proceeding along the train road. Preddy, who was in the back seat, had taken his .22 rifle with him for the purpose of doing some shooting. When at the spot where the accident occurred he saw a hare on the right hand side of the road. He lifted his rifle from the floor of the car, placed a cartridge in the breech, and brought the rifle to his shoulder, cocking the hammer. The rifle accidentally went off, and the bullet penetrated the back of the elder Walton's head. Walton immediately collapsed, and blood was running from the wound. He was removed to the Christchurch Hospital, where an operation was performed yesterday morning. BURNED TO DEATH. (Press Association.) Wellington, Monday. A young man named Roy Reubens Temerio was burned to death as the result of a fire in his small hut at Riddiford Street, Newtown, where he has been living for the past three years. It is thought that Temerio fell asleep while reading and that either a cigarette end dropped on the papers lying about the room, or that a candle was overturned while he was asleep. The fire apparently had a good hold when he awakened, and it is believed he was overcome by smoke when making for the door, as, when the fire brigade was able to get into the building, they discovered the charred remains of the man lying on the floor next the exit. CHILD TAKES CAUSTIC SODA. Press Association.) Waihi, Monday. The adjourned inquest on the body of Ronald F. Hunt, infant son of Mr George W. Hunt, who died in Waihi Hospital on December 21 as the result of taking caustic soda at a neighbour's house, was concluded this morning before the coroner (Mr Wallnutt), Sergeant McLean representing the police. Dr Cole said death was due to septic bronchitis, caused by an irritant poison. The coroner gave a verdict of accidental death. A BLASTING ACCIDENT. Rotorua, Monday. A man named O'Reilly was admitted to the hospital here on Saturday, having been brought by the express from Putaruru. He was suffering from severe injuries through a rook wheh had been dislodged by a blast at. the Arapuni, dam falling on his stomach. An operation was performed, but his condition is extremely critical.