SHOT BY PEA-RIFLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21099, 5 February 1932, Page 11

SHOT BY PEA-RIFLE.

GIRL ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.

VERDICT AT INQUEST.

The death of Evelyn Adamson, aged 16 years, who died from wounds inflicted by a pea-rifle on December 28, was the subject of an inquest held before the coroner, Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., yesterday. The verdict was that tho girl died from a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain, caused through tho accidental discharge of a rifle in tlie hands of Hubert Stanley Hassett, aged 16, who tjripped over a wire.

After medical evidence as to the cause of death had been taken, Hubert Stanely Hassett, stated in evidence that he was spending a holiday at tho farm of Mrs. J. C. Williamson at Te Atatu, where he was engaged in picking loganberries and shooting birds, which damaged tho berries. He had been handed a .22 calibre rifle for the purpose. Together with his brother and tho girl ho was picking berries when ho saw somo birds alight on a patch some distance away. He made an effort to drive them off by clapping his hands, but some remained. He thereupon took aim with his rifle and stepped over a wiro to obtain a closer view. He tripped and the rifle was dis ; charged. He saw the girl, who was about 26ft. away, fall to tho ground.