DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 83, 8 December 1913, Page 7

DOMINION NEWS.

CARELESS USE OF FIREARMS.

[Per Press Association.]

Invercargill, December 7

An inquest was held to-day on the body of Lydia Frances Martin, a married woman residing at Kew, who was accidentally shot. ,i Evidence was given to the effect that George McDermott, aged 18, employed by the deceased's husband on the latter's farm, had been shooting with a revolver and a pea-rifle. When he returned to the house he practised shooting at a target. After he imishr.'d lie pulled the trigger of the revolver about ten times to ascertain if utl the chambers had been u scharged. .Mrs Martin was standing at the door, and McDermott, remarking "I'm Buffalo Bill," presented both weapons in h'vr direction and pulled the t: - »Kgerc. The revolver went off, and Mis Martin staggered to the kitchen. The bullet had struck her in the breast, and dtettth! was caused by hemmorhage as a result of a bullet wound in the aorta.

The coroneV returned a v erdiet f.tJiat deceased whs accidentally shot b'y huv ing a revolver pointed at her in play.; "A rider "was added drawing the attention of the Education 1 ..Board*,''' the scoutmasters and Territorial, officers to the necessity of teaching young people that they must never point firearms, loaded or unloaded, at anyone.

ALLECED CUSTOMS) FRAUDS. Christchurch, December? 7. The police authorities in the city have arrested George Clifford Francis on a charge of theft in connection with the case of alleged customs frauds. This is the fifth arrest made. Francis will be charged with having stolen the sum of - £22 5s from J. H. Parker and Co., and he will be brought before the Court on Monday. FREEMASONRY. Auckland, December 7. A Masonic function of exceptional interest took. place yesterday afternoon, when Bro.;Alfred Seymour Bankart wag installed as R.W.D.G.M. of the English 'Freemasons, Auckland District. The gathering of several hundred brethren included distinguished Masonic visitors from, all parts, of the Dominion,, and the proceedings were, most.impressive,. :the' ceremony being in charge Eof AYov- Bro:> J. R.i Reed, who has'filled the office of District Grand Master during the past seven years*. Last evening a dinner was tendered to the visiting and' Auckland brethren'by the newly-elected District Grand Master.