Death From Accidental Discharge of Gun

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 146, 23 June 1936, Page 6

Death From Accidental Discharge of Gun

Per Press Association

AUCKLAND, Last Night

Tho inquest into the death of Kenneth McKinlay Rutherford, a land agent, who was shot when sitting in a motor-car at Silverdalo on June 7, was concluded before Mr W. R. McKean, S.M., Coroner. Deceased was out pheasaut-shooting and was sitting in a car preparatory to Moving to another area when the gun, which was between his knees, exploded.

After expert evidence hud been given, a verdict was returned that death was due to a gunshot wound, caused by the accidental discharge of a firearm deceased was holding.

Curious Cause of Death

Per Press Association

AUCKLAND, Last Night,

A verdict of accidental death was returned by Mr W. R. McKean, 8.M., at tho inquest into the death of John Albert McLeod, aged 55, married, of Mount Albert, who was struck by a piece of glass at tho workshops of D.S.C. and Cousins, Limited, on June 9. Evidence was given that deceased was lying on tho floor of a bus, hammering a bradawl to fix a panel in position, when a sliding window above hint broke and a piece of glass pierced, his neck, severing an artery. Employees stated that tho glass had been drilled for the insertion of a knob and, possibly, had thus been weakened.

The Coroner stated that death was due to haemorrhage and shock, possibly aggravated by the administration of a light anaesthetic, which was necessary on account of the depth of tho wound.