DEATH OF BANK CLERK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20131, 17 December 1928, Page 10

DEATH OF BANK CLERK.

THE WHANGAREI ACCIDENT.

PULLET WOUND PROVES FATAL.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION FAILS.

[BY fELEGBAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WHANGAREI. Sunday.

Mr. H. S. Kedgley, tho victim of the shooting accident in the local branch of the Bank of New South Wales, on Friday, passed away at the Whangarei Public Hospital early this morning. His condition had been grave from tho outset. The medical officer decided yestorday that blood-transfusion was desirable. Volunteers representing all the staffs of tho local banks and friends of tho parties concerned in tho sad affair were invited, and 11 young men presented themselves at tho hospital. After tests had been made Mr. W. G. Grove, a fellow-employee at tho bank, was selected. Tho transfusion was completed satisfactorily yesterday afternoon, but although Mr. Kedgley remained conscious for somo time and was ablo to converse with his parents, who arrived by the afternoon train from Otorohanga, his pulse became slower and he gradually sank. Death occurred about 2 o'clock this morning. An inquest was opened at tho hospital this afternoon, and after evidence of identification had been given, was adjourned until 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.

The accident occurred in the bank at mid-day on Friday. Mr. I' • Potter, who resides on the premises, had just gone into his room to change his coat, and was followed by two of his fellow-employees, Messrs. William Grove and Kedgley, who were ready to go to lunch with him. Mr. Grove, in playful mood, placed a Mexican helmet on his head, and Mr. Potter remarked, " Now all you want is a revolver." Ho picked up tho bank revolver, which was lying in the room and handed it to Mr. Grove, telling him to put it on his hip. Not thinking that the revolver was loaded, nor realising that Mr. Kedgley was in the lino of fire, Mr. Grove pressed tho trigger. In an instant there was a report and Mr. Kedgley was (ound to have been shot.