SHOT IN CHEST

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12023, 29 December 1924, Page 8

SHOT IN CHEST

YOUTH SERIOUSLY HURT. ACCIDENT AT SHOOTING GALLERY. Association. PALMERSTON N., December - 28. A youth, Thomas Smvthe, received a gunshot wound to the chest at the pubfio shooting galtery on Saturday evening. Smytbe was provided with eight . rounds. and while the proprietor was adjusting the target he heard a muffled report; and upon returning to the shooting range found tne : customer i had gone and on. looking out saw him walking down the street. No cry ° r exclamation or inquiry had been : made by Smytlie. : : . CAUGHT RIFLE IN CLOTHING. TV, next scene was enacted ;in" a lounge in the same street where he took a seat, then lay across a table groaning. Hie explained he had caught 'the rifle--in his clothing and -it had gone off- the bullet, entering his chest. The proprietor examined' . the wound which: had evidently been.'made bv a small bore rifle and which was bleeding slightly. Marks of the rifle’ e explosion was apparent on the shirt. A doctor ordered .Smythe’s removal to tine hospital; where his condition is regarded os serious,- although .he is still conscious. 1 ‘ , Fhe police are of opinion, the wound was accidental;' but tire previous; escapades of an ■ extraordinary, character point to the fact that they youth, is mentally unbalanced.