FATALLY SHOT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 14 April 1939, Page 6

FATALLY SHOT

YOUNG AUCKLANDER PIG HUNTING ACCIDENT TARANAKI EXPEDITION HELP SUMMONED IN VAIN {United Prene Association) NEW PLYMOUTH. 13th April. Shot through the back of the head while pig shooting in rough country near Whangamomona to-day, a young Auckland man died an hour later. He was— Mr Ronald Verrall, aged about 22, carpenter, of Otahuhu. With two companions. Messrs Arthur Callaghan and Edgar Robert Renner, both of Putaruru, Mr Verrall arrived at Whangamomona on Sunday for a short hunting holiday. The other two were experienced men. but it is understood that Mr Verrall had not been on many trips. The three men were travelling through bush 16 miles inland from Whangamomona. They came to a clearing and Mr Verrall went forward and sat down, apparently to rest. As one of the other men put his .22 rifle to his shoulder and fired Mr Verrall jumped up. He was hit in the back of the head by the bullet and fell immediately, but remained conscious.

Mr Callaghan went for help and telephoned from the State farm on the road about a mile and a-half away. Mr Renner remained with Mr Verrall. Two men on the farm. Messrs J. Odea and L. Northcott. went back with Mr Callaghan and helped to bring Mr Verrall to the road.

Constable T. Johnson, of Whangamomona, and the district nurse arrived and took the injured man to Whangamomona, but he died as he was brought into the township.