NIGHTCAPS SHOOTING CASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14001, 6 September 1907, Page 5

NIGHTCAPS SHOOTING CASE

BOTH SUFFERERS STILL UNCONSCIOUS. (From Our Special Reporter.) RIVERTON, September 5. The condition of Henry lieid and Mies Lydia Gibbon, the victims of tho tragic shooting occurrence at Nightcaps on Tuesday night, is practically unchanged. If anything, a very slight improvement, is noticeable, but both are still unconscious. Dr Trotter (tho hospital surgeon) reports this morning that his two patients aro rallying slowly, but are very low. The doctor, however, does not altogether givo up hope. To-dav Miss Gibbon seems to be more eonsible. Last night sho appeared to recognise her sister, and also her betrothed, both of whom visited her bedside. Sho was able to speak to them, but not coherently. .

Rcid spent a very restless night, but lliis morning he was calmer. • He was rambling a good deal, but was not able to recognise anyone. ho appearod to understand better what the nurso asked him'to do. Arrangements have boon ma>do to take the girl's statement as soon as she is in a fit state, Mr S. E. M'Carthy, S.M.. was here and remained all night, reluming' to Invercargill this morning. He was prepared to ta.ko the girl's statement if sho rallied in time. If she continues to. improve she may bo able to answer quostions reasonably this aftornoon. in which case the magistrate will bo sent for.

If Reid has recovered consciousness the statement of the girl will tako tho form of a deposition, and Reid will be given an opportunity through counsel to crossexamine.

Should Rcid be conscious ho will be charged with attempted murder,,' and will be placed under strict police surveillance, but will, of course, remain at the hospital. At 2 p.m. the condition of the patients was the same as in thp rooming. During the forenoon a bullet was extracted from tho girl's left leg, and sho is doing well, but is still unconscious. Rcid is gradually improving.

(Per United Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, September 5. The latest information from Riverton is that Reid and Miss Gibbon, tho principal parties in the Nightcaps, sensation, are both semi-conpcious. The bullet was extracted [rom Miss Gibbon's thigh to-day, and 6ho is doing the better of the two. Tho police are standing by to motor out and tako the depositions if sent for to-night.