SHOT BY MOTORIST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21467, 15 April 1933, Page 8

SHOT BY MOTORIST

MERCER SENSATION SERVICE STATION OWNER STRANGER USES REVOLVER TWO BULLETS FIRED SEVERE WOUND INFLICTED A sensational shooting affair occurred at Mercer at about 10.30 last evening, a garage proprietor, Mr. James Pennington Bates, being wounded by a man, who drew a revolver and fired two shots. One bullet struck Mr. Bates in the groin. Tho assailant, who was in a "baby" car, drove away in it and had not been traced at a late hour. The shooting occurred after the man had drawn up at Mr. Bates' service station and obtained benzine. The tank was filled and air was put in a tyre. Tho man in the car then began to drive off without paying for tho benzine. Mr. Bates jumped on the running hoard and tho car was brought to a standstill a little distance from the petrol pumps. The driver alighted and went round to tho rear of the car. He said to Mr. Bates, " I. am desperate; I haven't any money." "That's no good to me," replied Mr. Bates, whereupon the driver drew a revolver and fired twice. Mr. Bates had no hesitation in retreating. The assailant, who is believed to have como from Auckland, is thought to have continued South. Mr. Bates, who is a married man, aged 49, was conveyed to the Auckland Hospital. His condition, at an early hour this morning was reported to bo satisfactory. The car in which the assailant was travelling is believed to be one that was stolen from Beach Road, Auckland, earlier in the evening. Police stations were quickly advised and all main roads arc being closely watched.