SHOOTING FATALITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20990, 29 September 1931, Page 10

SHOOTING FATALITY.

ALBANY IYOUTH'S DEATH.

FAULTY GUN DISCHARGES.

EXPERT CRITICISES WEAPON. COMMENT BY THE CORONER. The danger of using firearms of inferior quality was emphasised by Mr. I'. Iv. Hunt, S.M., coroner, at tho inquest yesterday afternoon concerning the death of Warrick James Ingham, aged 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ingham, of Albany, who was fatally shot by a friend while thev were on a shooting expedition in tho Albany district on September 12. A detailed account of the accident was given by Frank IVter Gill, aged 16. He said that on tho day in question ho and deceased set out with their shotguns to shoot rabbits. When they were crossing a paddock witness' gut. was discharged without warning, but tho shot did no harm. Pome time later the gun again fired and deceased was wounded in the abdomen. Medical aid was summoned, but ho died almost immediately. Witness stated that at the time of tho accident he was carrying (he gun in a slanting position across his body. He did not know what caused tho weapon to firo. "I am certain that the gun did not conic in contact with my clothing," lie said. "1 may have humped the left-band hammer with my thumb, but 1 do not remember doing so. I cannot account for tho gun going off in any other way." Witness mentioned that he purchased tho shotgun, which was double-barrelled, at ft city shop two months ago. The price was £4 10s. The gun was of Continental nianu faeture. "Gun Undoubtedly a Menace." An expert in firearms, Montnguo Harry Tisdall, who examined tho weapon at the request of the police, said the rebounding movement of tho left lock was out of adjustment. If the gun was being carried in an uncocked position it would bo a very easy matter for it to be accidentally discharged, through a slight backward knock on tho hammer, such as might be caused by a person's hand. Ihc weapon might also bo discharged through catching in the bearer's clothing. "Tho gun is undoubtedly a menace in its present condition, and in my opinion it has boon like that ever since it left the factory," .added witness. "The lock could bo regulated and made safe, but owing to the poor material in it, it is doubtful how long it would remain safe. The right hand lock is in a similar condition, but not so easily discharged as the left." Recommendations of Coroner. Constable Wood, who represented the police, said that from inquiries he had made ho was quite satisfied that the occurrence was an accident. In returning a verdict of accidental death, the coroner pointed out to the bo.y Gill that he was at fault in carrying the gun across his body instead of in an upright position, lie recommended that tho gun should not be used again, and also that tho police should lake steps to see that the dealer concerned did not sell other weapons of the same manufacture without first thoroughly testing tlicm.