FATAL ACCIDENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 137, 12 May 1941, Page 6

FATAL ACCIDENT

DEERSTALKER’S DEATH. A fatal accident occurred on the j foothills of the Ruahine Ranges yesterj day, when a member of a deerstalking i party, Air Donald McMurtrie, aged 27 years, lost his life. The deceased young j man, whose parents reside at Table | Flat, was married two years ago to Miss Anne Kearney, a daughter of a well-known Apiti family. There arc no children of the marriage. My MeMurtrie had been an employee of Mr If. V. Rcdmayne, of Penny’s Line, Hanson. Mr McMurtrie went to Table Flat for the week-end and yesterday morning went into the bush before breakfast returning with a hind. Later, he joined his brother-in-law. Mr AA r . Trim, of Table Flat, on another expedition and about 12.30 the pair were in the vicinity of the Orona Forks where the country is very rough. Tn negotiating some rocks Mr McMurtrie’s .303 rifle was accidentally discharged and the bullet penetrated his hodv with fatal results. Constable Strawhridge. in company with a doctor from Fcilding. proceeded to the locality with a nartv of helpers organised hv Mr D. Kearnev as soon as news of the tragedy was received from Air 1 rim. The hodv was brought out of the hush after Dr McLaurin had pronounced life extinct. Air and ATi-s Andrew ATcMurtrie. parents of deceased, are at present visiting TlamilAn inquest was opened this morning before Mr .T. S. fin gey. Coroner. After °) xionre of identification had been Riven by Air A. McMurtrie. father of deceased, the hearing was adjourned