TRAGIC ACCIDENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 110, 5 April 1930, Page 9

TRAGIC ACCIDENT.

APITI RESIDEN^SHOT. WHILST DEER STALKING. (Special to “Standard.”) FEILDING; April 5. A tragic accident occurred, yesterday at Apiti as a result of which Mr Ivo Cummerfield was shot in the thigh whilst out deer stalking in the rugged hill country of that district, and died before medical aid could' reach him. With a companion, Mr Albert- Dick, the unfortunate young man set out on a deer stalking expedition two.or three days ago and, yesterday Mr Dick returned, almost exhausted after his .arduous journey through the most inhospitable country in an attempt to save his comrade’s life, with the news that Mr Cummerfield had received a bullet in his thigh and was lying unconscious in the snow-line in the hills, about seven miles' distant. Mr'Dick had done all he could to staunch the flow of blood and had then set out for help, arriving at Mr Millar’s residence. Table Flat, from where a. doctor and Constable Fergusson were summoned.

Not sparing himself, however, after his already gruelling effort, Mr Dick had, in the meantime, got a relief party together and led by himself they set out with slashers and axes to cut. a'track through the bush to effect Mr Cummerfield’s speedy removal. Their efforts, unfortunately,, were in . vain for Mr Cummerfield had succumbed to his injuries before the doctor arrived, The deceased’s parents/. Mr and Mrs E. Cummerfield and Miss 1 M. Cummerfield, were among the relief parity, and the sympathy of all went out to them on the sad ending, to the tragic mis:hap..., Mr Ivo Cummerfield was 32 years of age and one of the most popular residents of Apiti. He was a keen and energetic farmer and an enthusiastic sportsman. For the last lew years he had been captain of the Apiti Tennis Club, and was always jirepared to do anything in his power to assist in its progress. Deer-stalking was his favourite pastime and each year, at this time, he looked forward to camping out. m the ranges. His parents are old and respected residents of the district arid have always taken a prominent part in its public life. They will have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community. Miss Marjorie Cummerfield is' a #vell-known tennis player... The deceased man and Mr Dick were fast . friends and had gone deer-stalking together for years. Somb'.of the party returned at 9.30 o’clock last evening, but the remainder, with Contable Fergusson, stayed with the body which was brought the rest of the • journey to-day.